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 tumours). The main etiologic groups below are included in the manufacturer’s indications – specific use is always the responsibility of the treating physician or speech therapist.
Ami Life allows you to extend hospital/clinic treatment to daily home therapy following a protocol taught by your physician. At follow-up sessions the speech therapist evaluates progress and may adjust settings.
Home rehabilitation for dysphagia caused by radiation-induced tissue changes (fibrosis, stenosis) under physician instruction. IMPORTANT: NMES CANNOT be used for mechanical obstruction causes (e.g., active tumour) – structural resolution (surgery, endoscopic intervention) must come first. The clinician should assess structural stability before starting the protocol.
Covers neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting the swallowing musculature. Specific diagnosis and protocol selection are 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Swallowing rehabilitation after congenital neurological conditions or head/neck trauma. Paediatric application only within specialised paediatric neurorehabilitation centres under paediatrician or paediatric 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.
The 3 main protocols in detail
Ami Life’s 3 main NMES protocols are optimised with parameters based on the clinical dysphagia literature. Protocol selection is decided by your physician or speech therapist — according to the aetiology and severity of the condition.
The shorter pulse width (120 μs) and high frequency (80 Hz) focus on sensory (afferent) nerve fibres. 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.
The mid-range pulse width (200 μs) and high frequency (80 Hz) provide a combined effect: stimulating sensory fibres AND activating motor fibres. 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 aetiologies listed in the manufacturer indications. Can be used in both passive and active rehab phases as judged by the treating clinician.
The widest pulse width (260 μs) and high frequency (80 Hz) specifically activate motor (efferent) nerve fibres. 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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 for the first time alone, without training and follow-up. Stimulation on the neck area requires professional setup.
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.
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. Optimised 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.
Individual results vary, but general timeframes:
- 1–2 weeks: familiarisation 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.
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.
Aspiration signs (coughing during or after meals, choking, recurrent pneumonia, fever, dyspnoea) 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.
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.
How to use it step by step?
1
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!
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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.
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
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.
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.
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 fibres |
| Waveform | Rectangular, biphasic, symmetric, compensated | Even signal quality, no polarisation |
| 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 – mechanical causes that require surgical/endoscopic intervention (tumour, 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. Zsolt Zátrok 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.
