 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2004-10-01 15:07:00
Swallowing
: Is there anything available to help someone with a swallowing difficulty?
ANSWER: Until recently there was only thermal-tactile stimulation and repeated manual exercises for patients with swallowing difficulty. Swallowing difficulty is referred to as "Dyspahgia". There is a new therapy available now using controlled and specific electrical stimulation whereas electrodes are placed on the patients' throat area and gentle stimulation is applied. The placement of the electrodes is specific to the needed area after a barium swallow is done to see what is, or is not occurring via the neuro-muscular and vascular anatomy. The new therapy is used with Stroke, Trauma, Cancer and Cancer related therapies, Parkinson's, etc.. Once the diagnosis and cause is determined, the placement of the electrodes then is determined and therapy initiated. In several clinical studies the results are 98% effective, many times in less than 10 treatments of approximately 1 hour in duration. The therapy is available as an in-patient or an out-patient and is conducted by a credentialed Speech Therapist. The therapy is FDA approved and is called "Vital Stim Therapy".Interestingly 1 of 17 individuals will deal with swallowing difficulty (i.e. dysphagia) during their lifetime. Each year over 60,000 people die from complications associated with swallowing disorders. Close to 15 million people in this country suffer swallowing difficulty.
