Efficacy of Electrical Stimulation for Dysphagia in Head & Neck Cancer Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female ages 21+
* At least 3 months post-radiation therapy for head \& neck cancer
* Treatment for their cancer can include chemotherapy.
* Surgery for their cancer, if done, must meet these criteria:

  * diagnostic biopsy
  * less than ½ of oral tongue resected
  * less than ½ of tongue base resected
  * no floor of mouth muscles resected
  * less than 50% of any other part of the oral cavity, pharynx or larynx resected
  * no resection of hyoid
  * Neck dissection, unilateral or bilateral neck dissections may have been completed prior to or after radiation therapy.
* Currently free of cancer, confirmed by head and neck exam within 2 months of beginning the study
* MBS demonstrates penetration or aspiration on at least one swallow during the study (minimum PAS = 4)
* The patient is free of any medical conditions that could limit the patient's ability to follow the protocol.
* No history of any swallowing problems prior to the onset of head and neck cancer
* Prior swallow therapy, if given to the patient, is neither an Inclusion nor Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to cooperate with the examination and treatment.
* An implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, defibrillator, vagal nerve stimulator)
* Previous e-stim treatment to the head \& neck
* Any current or previous neurological disease which may adversely affect swallowing.
* History of oropharyngeal swallowing disorder prior to cancer.
* History of pre-cancer oral intake that was limited due to a swallowing problem.
* Previous neurosurgery on the brain that could compromise swallowing or ability to follow protocol.
* Severe COPD (oxygen dependent).
* Need for dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter or esophagus at time of entry.
* Females who are currently pregnant will be excluded from participation.
* Females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and must be practicing a medically accepted means of contraception (including, but not limited to, condoms, diaphragms/caps, contraceptive pills, contraceptive rings/patches, intrauterine devices, hysterectomy or abstinence)