title: Glossopharyngeal and neck accessory muscle breathing in a young adult with C2 complete tetraplegia resulting in ventilator dependency.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This case report describes the use of glossopharyngeal breathing (GPB) and neck accessory muscle breathing (NAMB) in the treatment of an individual who was dependent on a ventilator secondary to a spinal cord injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient was a 19-year-old man with C2 complete tetraplegia. He received a 5-week inpatient program of GPB training 3 to 4 times per week. A 4-week NAMB training program followed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following GPB training, forced vital capacity increased 35-fold, time off the ventilator improved from 0 to 30 minutes, and a nonfunctional cough became a weak functional cough. After NAMB training, the patient was able to be off the ventilator for 2 minutes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased ventilatory capability has the potential to affect patients' quality of life by improving cough function and decreasing dependence on a ventilator in the event of accidental disconnection.
authors.affiliation: Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E Imperial Hwy, Downey, CA 90242, USA. vwarren@dhs.co.la.ca.us
authors.forename: Valerie C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Warren
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012119:Respiration; D012121:Respiration, Artificial