Efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on Wilson’s disease patients with dysphagia

Abstract

[Purpose] Dysphagia is a neurological symptom that is observed in more than half of patients with Wilson's disease. It is often associated with aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, and malnutrition, resulting in drastic reduction of the quality of life. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation could be an adjunct therapy for dysphagia treatment. However, there is limited data about the application of NMES for dysphagia in Wilson's disease. Thus, we explored the potential application of NMES for dysphagia treatment in Wilson's disease. [Participants and Methods] Sixty Wilson's disease patients who suffered from dysphagia were randomized into two groups. Swallowing function training was taught to the control group (n=30) while Neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy was given to treatment group (n=30). Eight weeks post treatment, using the water swallow test and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment, the swallowing function was determined. [Results] None of the patients experienced discomfort before, during or after the intervention. After 8 weeks of therapy, when compared to the control, an increased improvement in swallowing function was noted for the treatment group. [Conclusion] Neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment can improve swallowing function in Wilson's disease patients afflicted with dysphagia. Therefore, it has the potential to be a form of therapy in clinical practice.