Patient Information: Female, Age 62
Diagnosis: Stroke / Oral Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
History: This woman was referred to outpatient speech therapy services due to continued deficits in her ability to speak, eat, and drink following a stroke seven months prior.
Pre-Therapy Status:
- Clinical Swallow Assessment: Observed spillage of food and drink from the mouth before swallow due to poor lip closure and tongue control.
- Clinical Speech Assessment: Decreased intelligibility (speaking clearly so others may understand), resulting in inability to continue current job as customer service representative.
Therapy Information:
- Modality: Omnistim® FX2 Portable and OmnisEMG™ Biofeedback.
- Frequency: 3x per week.
- Protocol Specifics: Patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS) biphasic facial protocol to increase oral strength and coordination. Tongue resistance exercise performed
1x/week with sEMG biofeedback using Diver visualization for improved tongue function.
- Duration: Eight weeks.
- Other Therapy Services Provided: Oral motor exercise and home exercise program.
Outcome:
- Clinical Swallow Assessment: Able to contain all food and drink in the mouth before initiating a swallow.
- Clinical Speech Assessment: Speaks clearly with no deficits.
This woman is thrilled to be able to eat in restaurants with family again. She is no longer embarrassed by food or drink spilling out of her mouth. She is also happy that friends and family can clearly understand her. She is even considering returning to work as a customer service representative.