Thursday, March 3, 2005

VitalStim Therapy

Filed under: Medicine , Neurology

The South Bend Tribune reports about a therapy that "helps patients relearn how to swallow after stroke." Stroke, of course, is one of the many causes of dysphagia.

According to the manufacturer, the VitalStim Therapy is the only neuromuscular electrical stimulation that is cleared by the FDA to treat this disorder. The company explains:

VitalStim Therapy uses small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing. At the same time, trained specialists help patients "re-educate" their muscles through rehabilitation therapy.

A small, carefully calibrated current is delivered by specially designed electrodes.

The current stimulates motor nerves in the throat.

The muscles responsible for swallowing contract.

The quality of the swallowing function improves.

With repeated therapy, muscles are re-educated.

More at VitalStim by Chattanooga Group...

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