VitalStim® is a TGA approved medical device that uses gentle electrical signals to help strengthen the muscles used for swallowing.
At CPA, our specially trained speech pathologists combine VitalStim® electrical stimulation with targeted swallowing exercises to help improve your ability to eat and drink safely.
CPA is one of the few providers in Australia offering this innovative, evidence-based swallowing therapy.
NDIS funding
Cerebral Palsy and Dysphagia
Many people with cerebral palsy have trouble eating, drinking, swallowing and managing saliva. This is called dysphagia. If not treated, it can lead to long and difficult mealtimes, limited food and drink selection or poor nutrition, and in some severe cases serious health problems like chest infections.
That is why dysphagia therapy is important—it helps people stay healthy, eat safely, and enjoy meals with family and friends.
What does it involve?
Three 1-hour appointments per week for three weeks.Â
During each session, a VitalStim® certified speech pathologist places small electrodes on your neck and cheeks. These send gentle electrical signals to the muscles used for chewing and swallowing.Â
While this is happening, the therapist guides you through different eating, drinking and swallowing exercises. The goal is to help your muscles get stronger and work better, so eating and drinking becomes safer and easier.Â
What are the outcomes?
Who is the program for?
Intensive dysphagia therapy is suitable for babies, children, and adults with cerebral palsy or similar disabilities who experience:Â Â
There are some medical symptoms and conditions that are unsuitable for this treatment. Our speech pathologist will work together with you and your healthcare team to evaluate your medical history and make sure this therapy is suitable for you.
You don’t need a doctor’s approval to begin intensive dysphagia therapy using VitalStim® electrical stimulation, but it’s recommended that you and your speech pathologist consult your doctor before starting any new therapy for swallowing problems.Â
Our VitalStim® certified speech pathologists will work with you and your healthcare team to review your medical history. This ensures the treatment is safe for you. VitalStim® electrical stimulation may not be suitable for people with:Â
Yes. There have been no adverse events reported in the current literature or to the food and drug administration in the USA over the 18 years VitalStim® has been used in a clinical setting.Â
No. The electrical impulses used in this swallowing therapy are gentle and not painful when applied by trained speech pathologists.Â
Yes. There are over 100 published research papers supporting this therapy. It is considered a green light intervention for the treatment of dysphagia. That means it’s a proven and effective form of dysphagia therapy.Â
Assessment of eating and drinking skills. This includes an observation of the individual’s mealtime skills, and a determination for the placement of the VitalStim® electrodes.Â
You can book Intensive Dysphagia Therapy at CPA centres across NSW and ACT.
No. Sessions don’t need to happen during meals. The focus is on practicing swallowing exercises with the support of VitalStim®, depending on what’s best for you.
Attending fewer than three sessions per week over three weeks will not provide the expected outcomes. However, the three weekly sessions don’t need to be on consecutive days.Â
Services can be accessed through the NDIS, private health, medicare or self-funding.Â
We can also support you to request the NDIS funding needed to access this specialised dysphagia therapy.Â
Disclaimer:
This overview is for general information purposes. Individual results with VitalStim® Therapy may vary. Consult with our specialists for a personalised assessment.
Contact your CPA Client Services Consultant now to book an appointment to discuss this intervention with a speech pathologist. We can also assist clients to request NDIS funding to access this treatment.Â
We will respond as soon as possible, between Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
*References:
Improved eating, drinking and swallowing function:
Woo Jin Song, Ji Hyuk Park & Joo Hyun Lee, Min Young Kim.  (2015) Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Swallowing Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial. Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy. 25,1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hkjot.2015.05.001
Umay, E, Gurcay, E, Ozturk, E. &Unlu, A. (2020) Is sensory-level electrical stimulation effective in cerebral palsy children with dysphagia? A randomized controlled clinical trial. Acta Neurology 120(5):1097-1105. doi:10.1007/s13760-018-01071-6Â
Improved ability to swallow safely
Ma & Choi (2019) Effect of electrical stimulation on aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia. The Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 3, 93–94. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.31.93Â
Andreoli S., Wilson, B. & Swanson C. (2019) Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves feeding and aspiration status in medically complex children undergoing feeding therapy. International Journal of Pediatrics. 127, 109646 doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109646
Improved quality of life resulting from improved eating, drinking and swallowing skills.
Smith R., Bryant, L. & Hemsley, B. (2022) Dysphagia and Quality of Life, Participation, and Inclusion Experiences and Outcomes for Adults and Children With Dysphagia: A Scoping Review. Perspectives. 7(1), 181-196. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_PERSP-21-00162Â
