These Perspectives (SIG 13) articles review the functional anatomy underlying different pharyngeal swallow mechanics and swallowing performance goals, discuss the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of dysphagia, and provide critical information to help clinicians build assessment skills and provide evidence-based options for mothers who breastfeed their infants.
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:
- discuss how various elements of swallowing mechanics work together to achieve swallowing performance goals
- describe the rationale behind the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer presenting with dysphagia
- recognize the difference between sensory and motor neuromuscular electrical stimulation
- identify how neuromuscular electrical stimulation affects speech and swallowing function