Dysphagia:Swallowing Therapy After Stroke

Rosa was admitted for rehabilitation after a stroke in an area of the brainstem that can cause severe swallowing problems, known as dysphagia. This stroke also caused one of Rosa’s vocal folds to be paralyzed, further complicating safe swallowing. She was on a very restricted diet that consisted of pureed solids and liquids the consistency of honey. Rosa was committed to trying anything that might help her eat regular food again, so her speech language pathologist started a vigorous exercise program coupled with VitalStim® Therapy.

Strategies such as small bites and sips, slow rate and turning her head to the left when swallowing enabled Rosa to expand her diet. Vitalstim® Therapy was utilized both with and without eating to improve her strength. Videofluoroscopy and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) as needed allowed Rosa to progress quickly in a short period of time.

Rosa's strength improved so much that she was able to leave HHH eating and drinking whatever she wanted, with no need to turn her head while eating anymore. She was ready to go out to eat with her family!

[yvettelucy]

My mom's speech therapist did this with her. It helped her speak more clearly and swallow better.

[TheMamaBeez]

great video, wish there was more to see. Nice allowing the patient to be responsible for communicating her needs and following recommendations.

[sophiam]

Thankyou for the video. I'm a fresh graduate speech therapy student and i already hired by a hospital in my town. Most of my patients are elderly because i'll working on Senior Hospital. And lot of them got problem with swallowing so this video is very helpful for me💕

[adrianaeve]

thank you for this video! I'm a student speech pathologist and this was really helpful

[myluxuryst]

My son is 2.5 years old and using Vital Stem... so far not really too much progress and his Therapist does not seem to know any other information or other ways to help him other than to put this on him. He also has a Tracheostomy. He can not communicate so I can not get feedback such as how this lady in your session is able to provide.

We definitely can not wrap anything around his neck because of his trach.

His therapist also has not determined which side of his neck is stronger or not. It just seems like we are Guinea pigs, not able to get too much help due to age and trach. Very sad and disappointing.

He has gotten up to 19 (number on Vital monitor)
Thank you for sharing your video.

[MyViews-ufdi]

Will this work for Parkinson patient with swallowing issue and speech issue? Also any side effects after using it? Should this be used life long?

[mariaestelle]

I have continued drooling throughout day. I’m not focused on swallowing 3 months after being home.

[rrxtseo]

My brother had stroke until now almost 2years he cant eat real foods ...he cant swallow because the foods and liquids went straight to his lungs so dangerous 😭💔

[juliasharon]

resource book above written by another patient!

[jessiasalam]

Mam how long does it take to recover this swallowing process after stroke??

[mouloudaguibi]

I have stroke may 8 2014 from this time I' can 't eat swallow per mouth only use feedtube anyone can help I live south nj close to Philadelphia thank u