Are you or a relative struggling with post-stroke or other-cause swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)? Would you like to continue treatment at home alongside hospital and speech therapy rehabilitation to speed up and consolidate recovery of swallowing function? Are you looking for a non-invasive NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) device suitable for home use under medical supervision to retrain the swallowing muscles?

Ami Life is Globus’s home-use dysphagia rehabilitation device. It is a simplified, user-friendly version of the Ami Pro (clinical/professional device): 3 main protocols (sensory, sensorimotor, motor), 2 butterfly electrodes for neck anatomy, 4 channels, compact and portable. Private individuals can purchase it – BUT you must use it according to a protocol taught by and under the direction of your physician or speech therapist. Class IIa medical device, CE (MDD 93/42/EEC).

Why choose Ami Life?

Daily home dysphagia rehabilitation

Hospital or clinic-based dysphagia therapy usually occurs 1–2 times per week — often insufficient for rapid functional recovery. Ami Life enables DAILY home treatments following the protocol set by your physician. Regular stimulation is critical for motor learning (neuroplasticity).

3 main treatment protocols – easy selection

Instead of the Ami Pro’s 100 programs, Ami Life focuses on 3 clinically validated protocols: sensory (120 μs, 80 Hz – improves sensory detection), sensorimotor (200 μs, 80 Hz – combined effect), and motor (260 μs, 80 Hz – muscle activation). Follow the protocol selected by your physician — simple and trainable.

Butterfly electrode + 4 channels

The package includes 2 butterfly-shaped electrodes designed specifically for neck anatomy (suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles). The 4 channels allow bilateral protocols, which are necessary for the complex coordination of swallowing muscles.

Treatment memory – your clinician can monitor progress

Ami Life stores data from the last 10 treatments – your physician or speech therapist can review these to ensure you are following the prescribed protocol at home. This is key to multidisciplinary rehabilitation: clinical oversight continues during home therapy. Compact 100×160×35 mm size, 450 g weight, carrying case included.

Our medical expert says

“Ami Life is the Ami Pro’s smaller home-use sibling — designed to continue initial clinical rehabilitation at home. Dysphagia is a serious condition, and preventing aspiration complications is a top priority. Hospital and clinic-based initial therapy is a good start, but hospital treatment ends quickly, and only daily home practice can support lasting improvement. That is precisely why Ami Life is important: it extends the clinical protocol into the home environment. DO NOT assume you can simply ‘buy and use’ it — this is an NMES device for the neck area! It requires training by a professional and regular follow-up. A physician or physiotherapist must train you in correct electrode placement, protocol selection, and intensity settings. Afterwards, you (or a caregiver) can perform the treatments at home as instructed. During follow-up visits the professional reviews progress and may adjust the protocol. This is not a ‘miracle cure’ — stimulation is one tool in a COMPLEX rehabilitation process, alongside classic speech therapy exercises (Shaker, Mendelsohn maneuver, effortful swallow) and dietary modifications. If used regularly and correctly — clinical evidence suggests it can contribute to rehabilitation.”

Overview of manufacturer indications

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, Ami Life is intended for rehabilitation of the swallowing musculature in dysphagia of any etiology, except mechanical causes (e.g., obstructive tumors). The main etiologic groups listed below are included in the manufacturer’s indications — specific use is always the responsibility of the treating physician or speech therapist.

Post-stroke dysphagia

Ami Life allows you to extend hospital/clinic therapy to daily home treatment following a protocol taught by your physician. During follow-up sessions the speech therapist evaluates progress and may adjust settings.

Dysphagia after radiation fibrosis/stenosis

Home rehabilitation for dysphagia resulting from radiation-induced tissue changes (fibrosis, stenosis) under physician instruction. IMPORTANT: NMES CANNOT be used for mechanical obstruction causes (e.g., active tumor) — structural resolution (surgery, endoscopic intervention) must come first. The clinician should assess structural stability before starting the protocol.

Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders

Covers neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting the swallowing musculature. Specific diagnosis and protocol selection are within the competence of the treating neurologist, speech therapist, or rehabilitation physician. Depending on disease stage, NMES may be indicated in certain phases — the clinician decides whether treatment is appropriate and can be continued at home.

Dysphagia after intubation or anoxic injury

Home rehabilitation for swallowing disorders following prolonged intensive care or anoxic brain injury. After the acute hospital phase is over, treatment can continue at home daily with the treating physician’s permission and protocol training.

Conditions after major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events

Includes conditions following stroke and other cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events. The patient’s cardiovascular stability must be checked by the treating professional — this is particularly important because NMES over the neck carotid region can be risky in certain cardiac conditions.

Respiratory diseases with swallowing complications

Respiratory diseases where impaired breathing–swallowing coordination leads to swallowing complications. NMES protocols can be combined with respiratory rehabilitation — pulmonologist and speech therapist consultation is necessary, and home use continues according to the treating physician’s trained protocol.

Iatrogenic conditions

Dysphagia caused by medical interventions (anesthesia, surgery, or medication). Home protocol-based rehabilitation at the treating physician’s responsibility, provided in a trained manner. Particularly valuable in the postoperative phase to support return to oral feeding.

Congenital conditions, head or neck trauma

Swallowing rehabilitation after congenital neurological conditions or head/neck trauma. Pediatric application only within specialized pediatric neurorehabilitation centers under pediatrician or pediatric speech therapist supervision, and any continuation of home phases must be under professional control.

Note: the above list is based on the manufacturer’s user manual and product documentation. Determining specific indication, selecting the appropriate protocol and application are always the responsibility of the treating physician or speech therapist — taking into account the patient’s individual condition, exclusion of contraindications and the clinical diagnosis. Home use is permitted only according to a trained protocol.

How to use it step by step?

Training by your physician or speech therapist (MANDATORY!)

Before the first use of Ami Life, training by your physician or speech therapist is MANDATORY. You will learn which protocol (sensory / sensorimotor / motor) is appropriate, where to place the butterfly electrodes precisely, the maximum safe intensity, and how often to perform the treatment. NEVER use it for the first time alone without training!

Device preparation (battery charging)

Ami Life is battery-powered and rechargeable from the mains adapter. A full charge before first use is recommended. No constant mains connection is required at home — you can use it at the bedside or in a comfortable armchair.

Prepare the anterior neck skin

Clean the skin of the anterior neck area — make sure there is no cream, makeup residue, or sweat. Wiping with a disinfectant wipe (e.g., Clinell) can improve adhesion. Skin must be INTACT, CLEAN and DRY before applying electrodes. Do NOT use on broken or irritated skin.

Apply butterfly electrodes (in the trained position)

Apply the butterfly electrodes in the POSITION TAUGHT by your clinician. Key landmarks: lower edge of the mandible, hyoid bone, thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Maintain SYMMETRY (right–left or along the midline). Connect to the stimulation cables. The 4 channels allow bilateral use of the two electrodes.

Select the protocol (as taught)

Choose one of the 3 main protocols under your physician’s instruction:

Sensory (120 μs, 80 Hz): improves sensation, afferent stimulation. Beginner protocol.
Sensorimotor (200 μs, 80 Hz): combined sensory + motor nerve effect. Mid-phase protocol.
Motor (260 μs, 80 Hz): improves muscle function. Advanced phase protocol.

Protocol selection is exclusively the treating physician’s competence — DO NOT modify it on your own.

Gradually set intensity (max 20 mA)

Start at a very low intensity. GRADUALLY increase to a comfortably perceptible level — muscle contraction should be felt but it must NOT be painful. Maximum 20 mA — a gentle, neck-safe range. Do not exceed the maximum intensity set by your physician.

Combine treatment with classic speech therapy exercises

During or immediately after stimulation, perform the classical dysphagia exercises taught by your clinician: Shaker head-lift, Mendelsohn maneuver, effortful swallow, tongue exercises, lip exercises. Combining NMES with active exercises can produce better results.

Documentation + regular professional follow-up

Ami Life stores data from the last 10 treatments — show these at weekly or biweekly follow-up sessions to your physician/speech therapist. They will assess progress and, if necessary, adjust the protocol or intensity. Keep a home log as well: date, protocol, intensity, sensations, any difficulties.

The 3 main protocols in detail

Ami Life’s 3 main NMES protocols are optimized with parameters based on the clinical dysphagia literature. Protocol selection is decided by your physician or speech therapist — according to the etiology and severity of the condition.

SENSORY protocol (120 μs, 80 Hz)

The shorter pulse width (120 μs) and high frequency (80 Hz) focus on sensory (afferent) nerve fibers. Effects include:

May lower the threshold for triggering the swallowing reflex (more easily elicited).
Improves sensory awareness.
Used for treating sensory deficits (deafferent dysphagia).

Typical application: early-stage stroke patients with impaired sensation. Within facial treatment programs, facial sensory areas may be included per the treating clinician’s protocol settings.

SENSORIMOTOR protocol (200 μs, 80 Hz)

The mid-range pulse width (200 μs) and high frequency (80 Hz) provide a combined effect: stimulating sensory fibers AND activating motor fibers. Effects include:

Facilitates motor learning (neuroplasticity).
Makes muscle contraction easier to elicit.
Improves coordination of the swallowing reflex.

Typical application: mid-phase stroke rehab, weakness after intubation, or other etiologies listed in the manufacturer indications. Can be used in both passive and active rehab phases as judged by the treating clinician.

MOTOR protocol (260 μs, 80 Hz)

The widest pulse width (260 μs) and high frequency (80 Hz) specifically activate motor (efferent) nerve fibers. Effects include:

Strong, clearly perceptible muscle contractions.
Strengthening of the swallowing musculature (classic NMES mechanism).
Prevention of muscle atrophy during inactivity.

Typical application: advanced-phase stroke rehab when baseline function exists but strengthening is required. Useful for recovering muscle strength after head–neck trauma or radiation fibrosis, and in longer post-intubation rehabilitation phases — always per the treating clinician’s protocol settings.

Protocol progression: sensory → sensorimotor → motor

The typical rehabilitation path follows gradual transition through the 3 protocols:

Weeks 1–4: SENSORY – re-establishing sensation and foundational elements.
Weeks 5–10: SENSORIMOTOR – combined development, conditioning motor learning.
Week 11+: MOTOR – muscle strengthening for lasting functional improvement.

This is a GENERAL template — actual sequence and timing are determined by your physician based on the patient’s condition. DO NOT modify the protocol on your own.

Combining classic speech therapy exercises

Ami Life NMES treatment is SUPPLEMENTARY — it does not replace classical dysphagia exercises. A combined approach is necessary:

Shaker exercise: head-lift while lying (isometric–isotonic).
Mendelsohn maneuver: sustained laryngeal elevation during swallowing.
Effortful swallow: forceful, focused swallow.
Tongue exercises: protrusion–retraction, lateral movements.
Lip exercises: “u–i” sounds, strengthening lip closure.
Dietary modification: texture adaptation (IDDSI standards), positioning.

Your speech therapist will teach these — integrate them into your daily home routine together with NMES.

What’s in the package?

The Ami Life home kit — all necessary accessories for physician-taught use.

1 pc Ami Life neuromuscular stimulator (NMES, 1–4 channels)
4 pcs stimulation cables
2 pcs butterfly-shaped electrodes (for neck anatomy)
1 pc power adapter (for battery charging)
1 pc carrying case
1 pc user manual

Butterfly electrode maintenance and hygiene

Maintaining the butterfly electrodes is critical for long-term usability and hygiene:

Clean after each use: wipe with a damp cloth or mild soapy water. Do not boil or rub with alcohol.
Storage: return to the original protective foil after use and keep in a cool place.
Skin preparation: wipe the skin with a Clinell disinfectant wipe — this extends electrode lifespan.
Replacement time: replace when adhesion decreases or the electrode surface is damaged.
Spare butterfly electrodes: available separately in the webstore.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT share electrodes with other family members or patients — they are in direct skin contact and pose an infection risk.

Accessories available separately

Ami Life can be complemented with additional accessories:

Spare butterfly electrodes: sold in 2-piece packs.
Clinell disinfectant wipes: for skin preparation.
Replacement stimulation cable: if contact issues occur.
Replacement power adapter: if the original is damaged.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy it as a private individual and use it independently?

Private individuals can PURCHASE it (unlike Ami Pro, which is sold only to professionals). HOWEVER, independent home use is allowed only under the instruction of a physician or speech therapist and according to the protocol they set and train you in. NEVER use it on your first session without training and follow-up. Stimulation on the neck area requires professional setup.

Can it be used with a pacemaker or implanted device?

NO. Pacemaker, implanted defibrillator (ICD) or any implanted electronic device is an absolute contraindication. The risk of electrical interference is too high. It is also FORBIDDEN in carotid sinus hypersensitivity or carotid stenosis — NMES over the neck carotid region can be hazardous. That is why pre-screening by a treating physician is mandatory.

What is the difference between Ami Life and Ami Pro?

Both are Globus NMES dysphagia devices, but targeted at different users:

Ami Pro: SOLD ONLY to professionals (clinics, hospitals, physiotherapists, speech therapists). 100 programs, 4 butterfly electrodes, “Action Now” biofeedback function, 220V mains power. Optimized for clinical settings.
Ami Life: Available to private individuals (used under medical supervision). 3 main protocols (sensory / sensorimotor / motor), 2 butterfly electrodes, battery-powered (for home use). NO “Action Now” feature. More affordable.

Ami Life is the Ami Pro’s home-use sibling — extending clinical protocols into daily home rehabilitation.

How soon can improvement be expected?

Individual results vary, but general timeframes:

1–2 weeks: familiarization with use and sensory adaptation.
3–6 weeks: observable improvements in swallowing reflex and reduction of minor difficulties.
2–3 months: onset of sustained functional improvements with regular daily use.
6+ months: consolidation of long-term motor learning (neuroplasticity).

IMPORTANT: regular daily use is CRITICAL. A few sessions per week are not sufficient. Your physician/speech therapist will assess progress at weekly or biweekly follow-ups.

How many times per day and how long is a treatment session?

Exact session length and frequency follow your physician’s protocol. General guidance:

Daily frequency: 1–2 sessions per day (per protocol).
Session duration: typically 30–45 minutes.
Gentle start: first few days shorter (15–20 minutes), then gradually increased.

Do not overuse — muscles need recovery. If fatigue, muscle soreness or neck discomfort occur, reduce frequency and consult your physician.

What should I do if aspiration symptoms appear (coughing, choking)?

Aspiration signs (coughing during or after meals, choking, recurrent pneumonia, fever, dyspnea) require IMMEDIATE medical attention. Stop Ami Life treatment immediately and:

Seek medical/emergency care.
A new FEES or VFSS (videofluoroscopic swallowing study) may be required.
Review dietary modifications (texture per IDDSI standards).
Temporary enteral tube feeding may be necessary.

NEVER continue treatment if aspiration signs are present — aspiration pneumonia is life-threatening.

Can a caregiver perform the treatment on the patient?

Yes, many dysphagia patients require family assistance, especially older stroke patients. As a caregiver:

You can attend the training with the treating physician.
You can learn electrode placement and intensity adjustment.
You can perform daily home treatments.

IMPORTANT: an untrained “I’ll try it myself” approach is NOT recommended. Without professional training, incorrect electrode placement, excessive intensity, or wrong protocol selection can cause harm.

Technical specifications – detailed

Feature	Value	What it means for you
Type	NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation)	Home dysphagia rehabilitation device
Indication	Functional dysphagia rehabilitation	Stroke, post head–neck cancer, neurodegenerative, etc.
Channels	1–4	Bilateral treatment with the 2 butterfly electrodes
Programs	3 main protocols (sensory / sensorimotor / motor)	Simple, trainable selection
Sensory	120 μs, 80 Hz	Improves sensation, nerve stimulation
Sensorimotor	200 μs, 80 Hz	Combined effect, conditions motor learning
Motor	260 μs, 80 Hz	Muscle strengthening
Electrode type	Butterfly-shaped (2 pcs in package)	Designed for neck anatomy
Current	0–20 mA	Gentle, neck-safe range
Frequency	1–80 Hz	Full range for NMES protocols
Pulse width	80–260 μs	Reaches both sensory and motor fibers
Waveform	Rectangular, biphasic, symmetric, compensated	Even signal quality, no polarization
Memory	Last 10 treatment records	Your clinician can check home use at follow-up
Display	2.6"	Easy to read, practical for home use
Power	Battery + power adapter (for charging)	Wireless use at home
Size	100×160×35 mm	Compact, transportable in the carrying case
Weight	450 g	Light and comfortable
Certification	Class IIa medical device; CE (MDD 93/42/CEE-2007/47/CEE)	European conformity, medical device
Manufacturer	Globus Corporation (Italy)	Italian medical technology brand
Availability	Available to private individuals	BUT medical supervision is mandatory for use

When NOT to use Ami Life?

Ami Life is a Class IIa medical device. Because it delivers electrical stimulation to the anterior neck region, contraindications must be strictly observed. Pre-screening by your treating physician is mandatory.

Pacemaker, implanted defibrillator (ICD) or any implanted electronic device
Obstructive (mechanical) dysphagia that requires surgical/endoscopic intervention (tumor, structural obstruction, foreign body)
Active or suspected cancer in the treatment area (neck, face)
Carotid atherosclerosis or carotid stenosis (narrowing of neck arteries)
Carotid sinus reflex hypersensitivity
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders (relative contraindication; specialist consultation required)
Pregnancy (without treating physician’s approval)
Acute inflammation, infection, fresh surgical scar or ulcerated skin lesion on the neck
Severe cardiovascular disease (uncontrolled hypertension, recent myocardial infarction)
Implanted metal hardware in the neck or facial area (screws, plates, stents)
Structural abnormalities of the swallowing tract causing mechanical obstruction
Independent home use without physician training and supervision
Unconscious or severely non-cooperative patients (only under caregiver supervision)

Unsure? Consult your treating physician, neurologist or speech therapist before use. Detailed information by Dr. Zátrok Zsolt on contraindications for electrotherapy is available here.

Important information

Ami Life is CE-certified, Class IIa medical device (MDD 93/42/CEE-2007/47/CEE) and is suitable for home use. However, use must follow a protocol taught by a physician or speech therapist. First use without training is NOT recommended — NMES applied to the neck area requires professional setup.

Ami Life is an adjunctive tool — it does not replace classical speech therapy dysphagia treatment, dietary modification (IDDSI standards), or regular FEES/VFSS checks. Complex, multidisciplinary rehabilitation (neurologist + speech therapist + physiotherapist + dietitian + nursing staff) is the foundation of appropriate dysphagia care.

Aspiration risk: regular FEES or VFSS monitoring of dysphagia patients is essential to prevent aspiration pneumonia. If aspiration signs occur (coughing during meals, recurrent pneumonia, fever), STOP treatment IMMEDIATELY and seek urgent medical attention.

New or worsening symptoms (worsening swallowing ability, shortness of breath, chest pain, head or neck pain, cardiac arrhythmia) — NEVER use Ami Life to mask symptoms — SEEK IMMEDIATE medical care.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery during or immediately after use. Do not share electrodes with other family members or patients — they are in direct skin contact and pose an infection risk.

Use only original Globus accessories. Keep the device out of reach of children at all times.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your treating physician regarding specific complaints.

Ami Life