Vital Stim Success with a Former COVID-19 Patient

Aaaahhhh! I'm so excited! There had been some speculation regarding whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was effective on COVID-19 survivors with pharyngeal dysphagia. I have just treated my first COVID-19 survivor, and his treatment was a success!

My patient was an elderly man who had lead a pretty active life before contracting COVID-19. A business owner, he traveled the country with his wife, visiting family and friends frequently, and vacationing at will. But then he contracted COVID-19 this past spring and his whole world changed. He had a tracheostomy, was on a ventilator, and after recovering, he was still NPO (eating by a feeding tube) for approximately 2 months, after having failed at least 2 Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS). He had speech therapy in rehab for his swallowing, however, exercises alone were not sufficient for him to safely resume eating and drinking again.

After I evaluated him and reviewed his medical record, I was sure that his best option would be for him to have NMES (I used Vital Stim) at least twice weekly. So, the week following his evaluation, we began NMES twice a week for 5 weeks. During NMES, he completed laryngeal/pharyngeal strengthening and elevation exercises and swallowed ice chips with effortful swallows. Outside of therapy, he was instructed to complete oral motor exercises as well as laryngeal/pharyngeal strengthening and elevation exercises twice a day.

He was compliant with his home exercise program, had a supportive family, and was always pleasant and optimistic. The day after our final session, he had a follow-up MBSS and was given the news that he could safely swallow an IDDSI diet level 7 (regular diet consistency) with a full range of liquids. Goals met! It was recommended, however, that he complete a chin tuck while drinking liquids. Because I wanted to be extra cautious, I also recommended he take one bite and one sip at a time.

He and his wife were very excited about his success and were elated that they were now able to resume traveling. He couldn't wait to get the feeding tube out!

His story is proof that NMES may be a great treatment option for people who are recovering from COVID-19 and have been diagnosed with dysphagia. For some, this may be their last hope. Let's not be afraid to do what we can in order to help reestablish a quality of life they can live with.