Is VitalStim evidence based?

Clinicians must apply critical reasoning skills in deciding when to use VitalStim. Part of any good treatment decision involves consideration of Evidenced Based Practice (EBP), which includes reading the research.

Is VitalStim a NMES?

The VitalStim® Therapy System is based on neuro-muscular electrical stimulation (NMES) where a small electric current, carefully calibrated, is emitted by electrodes designed specifically for this purpose.

How long does VitalStim last?

3 years
Why every 3 years? Yes, once a therapist passes the training program, they are VitalStim Providers and remain so. As part of the national accreditation of the VitalStim Therapy Specialty Program, a 3 year renewal was implemented to meet NCCA standards.

What is VitalStim therapy?

VitalStim Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses an electrical current to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing. It is the only FDA-cleared device for treatment of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty).

Is electrical stimulation still used in dysphagia therapy?

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a method for stimulating muscles with short electrical pulses, is widely used in the therapy of stroke patients with pharyngeal dysphagia. It enhances the strength of the muscles associated with swallowing and facilitates reflex swallowing by sensory stimulation.

Can you use Vital Stim with a pacemaker?

Contraindications? Caution should be used on those with cardiac demand pacemakers. VitalStim is contraindicated for those with severe dementia or exhibit non-stop verbalization; patients with significant reflux due to use of a feeding tube; and patients with dysphagia due to drug toxicity.

Is VitalStim FDA approved?

The VitalStim Therapy System is an FDA approved, non-invasive therapy specifically designed to treat dysphagia. It is a specialized form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation that teaches the throat muscles needed for swallowing.

What is the best treatment for dysphagia?

Treatment for dysphagia includes:

Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow.
Changing the foods you eat.
Dilation.
Endoscopy.
Surgery.
Medicines.

What are the most common causes of dysphagia?

Causes of dysphagia

a condition that affects the nervous system, such as a stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis or dementia.
cancer – such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer.
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – where stomach acid leaks back up into the oesophagus.

Can you use Vital stim with a pacemaker?

Where is the optimal electrode placement for dysphagia?

Despite its limitations, the present study has shown that horizontal placement of electrodes above and below the hyoid bone is more effective than other placements for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia using NMES therapy combined with effortful swallowing.

What is the eswallow STIM unit?

The eSwallow Stim Unit is a dual channel E-Stim device that features a single program of NMES with a broad range of adjustable levels of intensity. The product uses a simple, yet effective visual display for control of stimulation, and is formulated to be easy to use yet highly effective.

Can e-stim help dysphagia?

Because of the growing popularity of using e-stim in the treatment of dysphagia, the market for these devices is broad and constantly advancing. VitalStim is by far the most well-known of the devices on the market, but there are a lot of newer alternatives as well.

Which e-stim device should I Choose?

Both the VitalStim PLus and Guardian Aspire2 include this ability, making the entire treatment process easier on the clinician and more customized for each patient’s needs. Another valuable feature available with some E-Stim devices is app support that allows the user to more easily view the readout of their performance.

What is the effective swallowing protocol?

AmpCare’s Effective Swallowing Protocol is a device designed with two NMES channels that are formulated to deliver highly effective 30-minute treatment sessions to exercise the muscles associated with regular swallowing. This device includes three different programs or treatment protocols.