Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in the Early Intervention Population: A Series of Five Case Studies

Abstract

The use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to improve swallowing function in the Early Intervention home-based population with pharyngeal phase dysphagia is described using a case series design. Five children had Modified Barium Swallow studies (MBSS) completed followed by a course of swallowing therapy. The children had NMES administered home-based for 60-minute sessions. The number of treatment sessions ranged from 11 to 63, and the MBSS was repeated at the end of therapy. All five children improved functional swallowing as documented by the attending radiologist This case series design provides data that may support the use of NMES in the Early Intervention population as a treatment modality for pharyngeal phase dysphagia.