Swallowing Studies & Therapy

Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat various swallowing issues in infants and children. Miller Children's offers some of the leading assessments and treatments for swallowing issues.

Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)

A Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) is a live radiographic study that highlights images of structure and function of the mouth and swallowing muscles. A MBSS is conducted when a child has suspected swallowing difficulty (e.g., food or liquid entering a child’s airway when they eat). The occupational therapist or the speech-language pathologist collaborates with the radiologist to perform and analyze the study. When the MBSS is completed, the occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist discuss diet recommendations and treatment options with the child’s family.

MBSS Process:

This study is done in the Pediatric Imaging Center by a team consisting of a radiologist, a
speech-language pathologist and/or an occupational therapist.
The child is given various foods and liquids to eat and drink during the study that are mixed with barium. This allows the foods and liquids to be seen on an x-ray.
If feeding or swallowing difficulties occur, the MBSS team may adjust foods or positioning to see if the impact can be reduced.
The recordings are reviewed and diet modifications and treatment recommendations are presented.

VitalStim^® Therapy

VitalStim® Therapy is a non-invasive, external electrical stimulation therapy that uses specially designed electrodes applied to the muscles of the throat to promote proper swallowing. VitalStim® is the only neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy that has FDA clearance for the treatment of dysphagia (swallowing problems) in children.

VitalStim^® Treatment Process

A calibrated current is delivered to the child’s neck through specially designed electrodes.
The current stimulates motor nerves in the throat while the child practices swallowing exercises.
Muscles responsible for swallowing contract to improve swallowing function.
Muscles become re-educated with repeated therapy.
Patients usually see improvement within the first few sessions.
Treatment sessions last for one hour and are administered by specially trained speech therapists.

Swallowing Studies & Therapy

Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)

MBSS Process:

VitalStim® Therapy

VitalStim® Treatment Process

VitalStim^® Therapy

VitalStim^® Treatment Process