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Anyone heard about therapy with VitalStim for swallowing problems?

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: Sep 16, 2022 | Replies (16)
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@avi

My mother, 81, suffered a stroke in Dec 2019. Her swallow ability is impaired - she has been on a Ryles Tube since then. We are considering Vitalstim treatment. Good to read some positive reviews. Any more personal experiences?
(Thx Mayo Clinic for this opp to connect)

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Replies to "My mother, 81, suffered a stroke in Dec 2019. Her swallow ability is impaired - she..."
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 21, 2022

Hi Avi, a belated welcome to you. I hope that the Vitalstim therapy may be a positive option for your mom. Does your mom have any other long-term complications from the stroke?

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 21, 2022

@avi. The Vitalstim was used with me a couple of years ago when i was in rehab. I was rehabbing from some brain lesions, which, among other things, made it difficult to swallow. The speech therapist would come at lunch and dinner and put this small contraption on my throat. The ‘stimulator’ would give me a smallish electrical jolt as i swallowed. The first few times were not too much fun, but i can swallow now without coughing.
Have you found a local program that offers vitalstim and some information classes before?

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