Who can benefit?
VitalStim is for many patients who suffer from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) as a result of stroke, radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, MS, and ALS.

What is it?
VitalStim is a form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) designed to treat dysphagia through muscle re-education. It is the only device and therapy protocol cleared by the FDA in 2002 to treat dysphagia.

When is it used?
VitalStim Therapy is used after thorough clinical and instrumental (MBS) examinations if it is determined that it will benefit the patient. A written order from a physician is also required. If it is an appropriate treatment modality, a certified speech-language pathologist will determine the number and duration of sessions.

How does VitalStim Therapy work?
VitalStim is a non-invasive therapy that uses electrical current to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing. A small, carefully calibrated current is delivered by electrodes which are placed on the neck. The current stimulates motor nerves in the throat while the patient practices swallowing exercises that cause the swallowing muscles to contract. With repeated therapy, muscles are re-educated and the quality of the swallowing function improves.

What are the contraindications?
VitalStim Therapy should not be used over the carotid sinus, with patients with an active neoplasm or infection in the local area.

Extra precautions are taken with patients with cardiac demand pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and seizure disorders.