title: Electrical stimulation in treatment of pharyngolaryngeal dysfunctions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been proposed in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal dysfunctions (dysphonia, dyspnoea, dysphagia) for more than 40 years. Several studies have investigated possible therapeutic effects. Some researchers described favourable results, whereas others did not find relevant benefits. This article aims to review available studies to give an overview regarding the current state of knowledge.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a selective literature search using PubMed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 356 papers were identified: 6 case reports, 11 reviews, 43 prospective clinical trials and 3 retrospective trials were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to different stimulation protocols, electrode positioning and various underlying pathological conditions, summarizing the present studies appears to be difficult. However, there is evidence that NMES is a valuable adjunct in patients with dysphagia and in patients with vocal fold paresis. Nevertheless, more empirical data is needed to fully understand the benefits provided by NMES. Further research suggestions are put forward.
authors.affiliation: Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jungheim
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kühn
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ptok
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000628:therapy; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000628:therapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000628:therapy