Electrical stimulation treatment

Abstract

This chapter reviews ongoing research using electrical stimulation in-dysphagia. Neuromuscular stimulation on the skin overlying the throat area resists hyo-laryngeal elevation during swallowing and does not increase benefit over traditional dysphagia therapy. Sensory stimulation of the pharyngeal mucosa has benefits for early recovery of swallowing post stroke but requires catheter insertion into the pharynx. Functional electrical stimulation has been most useful for limb control rehabilitation and has not been applied in dysphagia but presents with several technical challenges before it can be implemented. The use of electrical stimulation for dysphagia is at an early stage in its development but has great potential for the future benefits in dysphagia rehabilitation.