Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulty, is a condition in which the swallowing process is impaired or obstructed.
It can have many causes: neurological and muscular diseases, severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, respiratory diseases with swallowing-related complications, iatrogenic conditions, radiation-induced fibrosis/stenosis, stroke, intubation or anoxic birth injuries, and reduced use due to head or neck trauma.
In cases of dysphagia, electrical stimulation is used to prevent atrophy of the swallowing muscles and to support their rehabilitation. It can be applied for swallowing difficulties of any origin (etiology), except for mechanical causes that may require surgery (for example, tumors causing obstruction).
The purpose of the electrotherapy device is to stimulate and re-educate the swallowing muscles (re-teaching proper muscle activity) using electrodes applied to the skin.
Electrostimulators are primarily recommended for clinics, medical practices, nursing facilities, and therapists. In a home setting, they may only be used under professional supervision and care.
