Does Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Benefit Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Radiation Therapy?

Purpose This article is a review of the evidence for using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as a treatment for dysphagia when given to head and neck cancer patients with dysphagia secondary to radiation therapy. Method The rationale for using NMES for dysphagia in this population will be summarized. Recent studies will then be reviewed for evidence of efficacy of NMES when given to patients post–radiation therapy or during radiation therapy. Conclusion Evidence to date suggests no benefit from electrical stimulation when used therapeutically postradiotherapy. There are too few studies to date that have looked at NMES during radiotherapy to make any conclusions. Further studies are warranted.