NICE guideline: Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults
Evidence-based recommendations on transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults.
See the guidance here: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg634
- Current evidence on transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults shows there are no major safety concerns.
- For adults with dysphagia after a stroke, the evidence on efficacy suggests a potential benefit, but is limited in quality and quantity.
- For adults with dysphagia not caused by a stroke, there is insufficient evidence on efficacy to support the use of this procedure.
The full overview document from NICE with review of relevant studies: Interventional procedure overview of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults.
What is transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for oropharyngeal dysphagia?
"The speech and language therapist places electrodes in selected positions on the patient's neck. Small electrical currents are then passed through the electrodes to stimulate the peripheral nerve supply of the pharyngeal or laryngeal muscles. Stimulus intensity may be at a low sensory level, or at a higher motor level to trigger muscle contractions. Under the supervision of the therapist, the patient exercises their swallowing muscles while having concurrent electrical stimulation."