Aim: Of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (Vitalstim therapy) to treat patients with dysphagia and to determine the impact of the modified barium swallow study (MBSS) on patient management. Material and methods: From June 2014 to April 2016, seventy three patients with dysphagia were included. All the patients underwent pre vitalstim-therapy evaluation by speech-language pathologists, including clinical evaluation of swallowing and modified barium swallow study (MBSS). In MBSS we evaluate the following, delay in oropharyngeal swallowing phase, closure of epiglottis, laryngeal elevation, passage of contrast behind the epiglottis that denoting penetration, presence of aspiration and presence residual barium after swallowing. After VitalStim therapy, all patients underwent MBSS assessments and also underwent a follow up survey months (range, 1 to 6 months) after their therapy to assess whether the improvement was worthwhile and sustained. Results: In our study our 73 patients showing radiological findings denoting neurological swallowing disorders, 65 patients (89%) showing delay in oropharyngeal swallowing phase, weak laryngeal elevation found in 58 patients (79%) , 68 patients (93%) showing aspiration and 70 cases (96%) showing penetration and incomplete closure of the epiglottis. Presence of residual barium after swallowing within the vallecula was seen in 68 patients (93%). 52 of the 73 patients (71%) showing complete improvement at first follow up study after VitalStim therapy. 21 of the 73 patients (29%) showing some improvement and need another therapy sessions and in the next follow up study 15 cases showing complete improvement. However, 7 cases of the 21 patients having severe dysphagia before therapy, only 2 of 7 showed any improvement, and these patients still required a feeding tube for adequate nutrition, however, the 5 of 7 showing complete improvement after another session of therapy. Conclusion: We conclude that the modified barium swallow is valuable in the rehabilitation of patient with swallowing disorders helps speech pathologist to identify and modify swallowing abnormalities as well as management program. We also conclude that VitalStim therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of patients suffering with the swallowing difficulties.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.