Candidacy for VitalStim® Therapy

What is VitalStim® Therapy?

FDA cleared method of rehabilitating swallowing musculature using neuromuscular electrical
stimulation (NMES) with concurrent exercise therapy. The therapy is applied to patients suffering
from dysphagia (swallowing dysfunction) with signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal muscle
weakness.

What is NMES?
Small electrical pulses are delivered to impaired muscle groups through surface electrodes
applied over the neck. The pulses induce muscle contractions leading to increased strength and
speed of contraction and improved endurance.

Indications for VitalStim® Therapy

Dysphagic patients with signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal neuromuscular impairment are
indicated for receiving VitalStim® Therapy. Patients usually present with signs of aspiration,
signs of muscle weakness and difficulty managing a normal diet.

Typical patient categories include:

 Stroke
 Deconditioning as a result of age or comorbidity
 Head and neck cancer post radiation and/or surgery
 Various other neuromuscular disease processes (e.g., Parkinson’s ALS, etc.)

A patient is indicated for dysphagia therapy when they show signs of, or are at risk for aspiration
and/or when they have difficulty managing their diet. One or more of the following signs and
symptoms will be evident:

 Coughing/clearing of throat after  Difficulty completing a meal

swallow
 Abnormal volitional cough
 Decreased voice quality (wet, hoarse,
weak)
 Recurring chest infections
 Requires multiple swallows or special
maneuvers to clear throat
 Feeling of food being stuck in the
throat
 Requires diet to be modified (e.g.,
thickening, pureed food, soft solids)
 Difficulty initiating a swallow
 Spillage of food/liquid from lips and/or
drooling

Contraindications for receiving VitalStim® Therapy

Patients with active neoplasm or infection in the neck should receive prior clearance by the
treating physician before initiating VitalStim® Therapy. Patients with implanted devices such as
pacemakers may receive VitalStim® Therapy.