[Dysphagia] vital stim

[GuptaJ at SESAHS.NSW.GOV.AU (Jai Gupta)]

I cannot see it as a can of worm, the major problem with current Vitalstim prescription is ....the protocol is not tested....case selection on determined...level of stimulation over defined,...... We have not systematic data on what cases it work so we can predict it will work in a particular population ...there are may other issues but I am aware there is a big multicentre project  I think 20 centres are involved on the way now Dr M Crary and Dr G Mann are leading the project I have seen the project outline and research design/methodology ..it is impressive and I think the results of this study will solve most of the questions or kill the worms around... I am looking forward to the results of this study ..until I would say it is waste of time discussing on this topic


Jai Gupta. M.Sc.(S.H.) CPSP MSPA
Manager, Speech Pathology Services.
The Sutherland Hospital
* Locked Bag 21, Taren Point  NSW  2229
* 9540 7111 page 594 or Direct 9540 7558 
* 9540 7717 *0401 373 324
email: guptaJ@sesahs.nsw.gov.au







-----Original Message-----
From: dysphagia-bounces@b9.com [mailto:dysphagia-bounces@b9.com]On
Behalf Of Behrndt Nancy R
Sent: Wednesday, 9 March 2005 8:32 AM
To: 'dysphagia@b9.com'
Cc: Harmon Brenda
Subject: [Dysphagia] vital stim


I am about to opena can of worms I think.  We have been using Vital Stim for
several months.  I have invested time and money into training staff.
Everywhere we turn we are hearing these wonderful success stories.  What we
are not seeing is the wonderful success stories in our own department.  On
caseload right now we have a  sub cortical (Brainstem) CVA.  We initiated
vital stim therapy, two weeks into daily tx sessions MBS shows minimal
improvement, some swallow initiation only with use of electrodes during the
VFSS.  Similar stories with other patients.  Marcy Freed was kind enough to
come and inservice our department regarding vital stim and reviewed some of
our tapes.  Of course, most of her recommendations were for patients to have
dilitation.  However, with our case above, he does not even show a swallow
response spontaneously.  So long story short, are any of you getting good
response with vital stim, and if yes, what types of cases are the most
successful.  We are starting to think we are cursed and/or completely doing
it wrong.

Nancy R Behrndt MS-CCC/SLP
Director of Therapy Services
Denton Regional Medical Center
(940) 384-3975

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