Point/Counterpoint: Electrical Stimulation for Dysphagia: The Argument for Electrical Stimulation for Dysphagia

Abstract

This article is one side of the debate about the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES or “VitalStim”) in dysphagia treatment and presents the case supporting the use of this modality. I present published results of clinical trials examining the effectiveness of NMES and acknowledge some flaws in the trials. The evidence shows that, when added to traditional therapy, NMES makes a statistically significant positive difference for a variety of traditional treatment approaches to which it may be added.