Article

We explored the possible effects of neuromuscular electrostimulation
on the swallowing function of patients with multiple sclerosis and swallowing
problems. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (average age, 53.1 years; SD, 9.8 years)
with multiple sclerosis and swallowing problems were treated for 3 weeks with 2
sessions per week of neuromuscular electrostimulation. The average time since the
onset of multiple sclerosis was 16.5 years (SD, 10.2 years). Seventeen patients
were examined with transnasal flexible endoscopy 1 week before treatment and 1
week after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, a significant decrease in pooling
of saliva in the pyriform sinuses was seen in 6 patients (p = 0.03), and
significantly less aspiration during swallowing of thin liquids (p <0.01) was
seen in 9 patients. Overall, the 25 patients reported that their swallowing had
improved (p <0.01), and in 20% of the patients,it had become less strenuous. No
adverse effects of the treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed
that the treatment of swallowing problems with neuromuscular electrostimulation
in patients with multiple sclerosis in this sample was successful in the
reduction of pooling of saliva and in the reduction of aspiration.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI