VitalStim Therapy Helps People With Difficulty Swallowing

POSTED: 9:35 pm EST November 23, 2011
UPDATED: 10:13 pm EST November 23, 2011

*A video is available on the WTAE website:  http://www.wtae.com/health/29848396/detail.html

PITTSBURGH -- Two patients who had difficulty swallowing in the past are looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving dinner after undergoing therapy to help correct their problems. Lewis Crilley told Channel 4 Action News he suffered a stroke last month and was worried he'd never be able to eat again.

"I was so afraid of the other circumstances I might have to take because I wasn't able to eat. They were talking about a feeding tube and I didn't want that. I wanted to eat," said Crilley.

Crilley said he decided to seek help and first underwent a swallow test.   After doctors pinpoint the problem, they hook up an electric stimulation device called VitalStim that uses electrical stimulation with exercises in order to help patients who have been having difficulty swallowing. Treatments last about an hour and patients usually have them done several times a week for a month.

"They were very concerned about not being able to have holiday meals. Thankfully, we can say they are doing well, and will be discharged tomorrow and home for the holidays, and able to enjoy their meals," said Dr. Anthony Kirby, of Jefferson Regional Hospital.

Patient Paul Murphy said it worked for him after a lump in his neck turned out to be lesions on his thyroid.  "They removed my whole thyroid and it was cancerous," said Murphy.   Murphy said he's looking forward to enjoying a big Thanksgiving dinner.  "I totally want to eat," he said.

Copyright 2011 by WTAE. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.