 | Jim Vint, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and swallow/voice specialist at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, where he works with patients dealing with swallowing disorders and other conditions resulting from stroke, disease, trauma, neurological disorders or aging. An affiliate of HealthSouth, Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital is a provider of inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech-language therapies. Jim can be reached at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, 8338 W. 13th Street in Wichita, 316-729-1095. |
Health & Medicine
2006-05-01 17:10:00
New swallowing treatments
: My husband is having swallowing problems as a result of a stroke a few months ago. Is there any treatment available for him?
ANSWER: Yes, having swallowing problems can resulting from stroke, progressive neurological disorders and aging are a condition known as dysphagia. Symptoms of dysphagia can range from mild discomfort to a complete lack of ability during the swallowing function. While there are a number of therapies available to treat dysphagia, one of the most effective available on the market today is electrical stimulation of the swallowing muscles through a device known as “VitalStim.” Cleared by the FDA, VitalStim applies mild electrical stimulation to the underside of the jaw and to the front of the throat through specially designed, carefully calibrated electrodes placed on the muscles that control the swallowing function. The current, which is powered by two AA batteries, works like tiny jumper cables to apply just the precise amount of amperes to the appropriate place on the throat. With the current flowing at a comfortable level of intensity, the person attempts to swallow a small volume of food or water. The electrical current flowing through the muscles’ fibers results in a stronger contraction of the muscles than would be the case without the external boost provided by the VitalStim device.In a clinical trial of nearly 900 patients, more than 98 percent showed marked improvement. Of those with severe dysphagia, over 97 percent regained a level of ability to swallow and no longer needed a feeding tube. Nearly 40 percent of the same group regained the ability to swallow normally. A physician must prescribe a speech-language evaluation for treatment of dysphagia and your speech-language pathologist will determine if VitalStim is the proper therapy to be used.
