VitalStim
at THERAPY 2000

VitalStim is neuromuscular electric stimulation that helps strengthen the muscles in the throat and in the face that help with tongue retraction and lip closure. The initial VitalStim study treated 800 subjects, 90 percent of which showed positive results. Most of the subjects in this original study were adults, although a new study, soon to be published by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California, yielded very positive results as well.

With 45 VitalStim certified therapists, THERAPY 2000 is quickly becoming the North Texas leader in VitalStim therapy, the e-stim procedure that helps generate and regenerate motor control in throat and face muscles to help patients with their communication, feeding and swallowing needs.

Slightly larger than a cellular phone, the VitalStim unit is the only FDA approved e-stim for feeding and swallowing. It has two sets of lead wires attached to one or two sets of electrodes. It feeds a constant bipolar current for 57 seconds, then interrupts for three seconds, delivering constant stimulation to the patient’s muscles. It is a very safe modality that is used in conjunction with feeding and swallowing therapy.

Karen Gillum, CCC/SLP and VitalStim program manager reports some of her patients have asked to have the VitalStim unit turned up when they experience the stimulation brought by the VitalStim unit. Therapists at THERAPY 2000 are often asked if VitalStim is uncomfortable or painful and what our therapist experience is that children whose throat muscles are not intact actually like it because they can feel the muscles working. For some patients, these muscles are working for the first time in their lives.

VitalStim trains the muscles for strength, endurance and coordination and starts an improvement cycle. The muscles are strengthened while the child is feeding so that he or she wants to eat more. The result is a more normal swallow and a new found enjoyment of eating.

For more information about VitalStim or to refer a child for VitalStim therapy, please call THERAPY 2000 at 214-467-9787.

THERAPY 2000 is a pediatric home care agency providing physical, occupational and speech therapy to children ages birth to 21. With over 190 therapists, THERAPY 2000 serves over 1200 children across North Texas.

Elijah's Story

Elijah

A 6-year-oldwith Cerebral Palsy who used to have difficulty handling food in his mouth. Now, after feeding therapy and VitalStim, he can eat ANYTHING!!! He doesn’t have any problems eating or drinking and doesn’t even have to have therapy anymore!

(Video running time 6:39. See expanded versions of our videos on YouTube.)

A THERAPY 2000 VitalStim Success story

Brady is a princess and she knows it. She knows what she wants, Brady does, and what Brady wants is her banana puffs. I say with a tone of gentle determination, “Brady, you need to finish your bottle.” Her piercing blue eyes communicate clearly and succinctly, “I want my puffs, give ‘em to me NOW!” We go around and around, Brady and me. I win, but just barely.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHOLE STORY

VIDEO: THERAPY 2000 VitalStim Patient Cases

Brendy

A 7-year-old who really hated having anything touch her mouth, especially food! She was never able to eat and swallow safely, but now, after VitalStim, she likes food—and even asks for it. She can chew and swallow without choking, and her voice is stronger! Her doctor is so pleased with my progress that he wants her to have more VitalStim!

See Brendy's story

Christian

An 11-year-old that as a result of a high fever when he was three weeks old had an illness and seizures which caused Cerebral Palsy. He is now fed through a tube in hisstomach. VitalStim helped himbe able to handle my secretions.

See Christian's story

Tyler

Tyler is a 20-year-old male twin who presents developmental language disorder, unspecified delay in development, pervasive developmental disorder, hearing loss NOS, and cerebral palsy. Tyler is now better able to manage his secretions and is also closing his mouth better.

See Tyler and Houston's story

Houston

Houston is Tyler's twin brother who presents with cerebral palsy, dysphagia, developmental language disorder, unspecified delay in development, congenital hydrocephalus and convulsions. Houston is now swallowing better and his voice is stronger.

See Tyler and Houston's story

Safa

Safa is a 3-year-old girl with brain damage as a result of nearly drowning. After many months of intense therapy, she is now receiving VitalStim therapy. Although Safa is still fed through a G-tube, she has begun swallowing as a result of VitalStim and oral motor therapy.

See Safa and Lana's story

Lana

Lana is Safa's 4-year-old sister, also with anoxic brain damage, receptive language disorder, and dysphagia. She, too, was developing at an average rate with no complications until her accident, when she sustained anoxic brain damage after near drowning. Lana is now eating pureed foods and is working to manage thin liquids. Lana no longer has choking episodes while she is eating.