Transcutaneous Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018).
London (United Kingdom): National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 1-5.
This guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence provides recommendations regarding the use of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation to treat oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
For adults with dysphagia after stroke, transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) should be used with special arrangements meaning there is uncertainty regarding the safety and efficacy of NMES. While NMES is potentially beneficial, evidence is limited in quality and quantity. Clinicians performing NMES should ensure that patients understand the procedure's safety, efficacy, and any uncertainties through provided written information. Clinicians should audit and review all NMES clinical outcomes for individuals with oropharyngeal dysphagia.
For adults with dysphagia not caused by a stroke, transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation should be used only in the context of research.
Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia can be conducted by a speech and language therapist who has appropriate training in conducting the NMES procedure.
Videofluoroscopy or clinical observation can be used to determine the optimal placement of treatment electrodes and to determine appropriate stimulus intensity when conducting transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Duration of treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia using transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation varies by device, but can be up to one hour.
