Using Sensory Stimulation To Assist With Swallowing Rehabilitation

Course overview

Evidence suggests that sensory stimulation using either air puffs on the faucial pillars in the mouth or vibrators on the neck over the larynx will increase swallowing and enhance neural activation of the swallowing system in the brain. These findings were the basis for the introduction of a new model of dysphagia therapy where patients use a vibratory device for sensory induction of swallowing during intensive practice throughout the day. Small studies have trained patients to use sensory stimulation for practice initially in therapy and then for intensive practice at home. Early results indicate that a laryngeal vibrator can be used safely at home to improve oral intake in severely affected patients who had failed therapy for at least 2 years post CVA. This course discusses new approaches to augment volitional swallowing control, using sensory input to facilitate swallowing, increasing swallowing practice on at least 50% of swallows each day, triggering practice on saliva swallows throughout the day and new methods of brain stimulation for augmenting swallowing training in the clinic.