Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on the Swallowing Function in a Child - A Case Report / 대한연하장애학회지

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) when applied to the facial muscles and submental region on a child with dysphagia. The subject was a 5 month girl who had hypoxic brain damage. Two electrodes were applied to the submental region horizontally (6.0 mA) and two electrodes were applied to each side of the mouth (5.0 mA). The child's jaw movement, swallowing food/liquid without excess loss, and swallowing without cough were improved. In addition, she could intake nutrition through the mouth. The result of the level on the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) decreased from 4 to 1, the score on the Behavioral Assessment Scale of Oral Function in Feeding (BASOFF) increased from 13 to 17, and the level on the American Speech Language and Hearing Association National outcomes measurements system (ASHA NOMS) increased from 1 to 3. When applying NMES to a child with dysphagia, the practitioner should consider various attachment places for improvements in the children's swallowing function.