VitalStim therapy for children
In-home pediatric VitalStim (NMES) swallowing therapy from a VitalStim-certified speech-language pathologist serving Celina, Little Elm, Anna and surrounding Collin and Denton County communities.
VitalStim is an FDA-cleared form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) used in swallowing therapy. Small electrodes are placed on the skin of the neck, and gentle electrical stimulation is paired with active swallowing exercises so the muscles of the throat get stronger, faster and better coordinated.
At NTX Feeding & Myofunctional Therapy Institute, VitalStim is delivered in your home by Meagan Dungan, M.S., CCC-SLP, a VitalStim-certified pediatric speech-language pathologist with years of experience treating medically complex and high-risk infants and children.
Who VitalStim therapy may help
VitalStim is one tool within skilled swallowing therapy. It may be considered for children with:
- Pharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty with the throat phase of swallowing)
- Weak, slow or uncoordinated swallow muscles
- Aspiration or penetration seen on a swallow study (VFSS or FEES)
- Neurological or genetic conditions that affect swallowing
- Medically complex histories, including NICU graduates
- Children working toward more oral eating or tube weaning
What a VitalStim session looks like
Sessions are active, not passive. Stimulation is always paired with real swallowing work.
Screening
We review history, precautions and any instrumental swallow study, and coordinate with your child's physician.
Electrode placement
Small adhesive electrodes go on the front of the neck. Intensity is increased slowly to a level your child tolerates.
Active swallowing
Your child swallows, eats or drinks safe trials while the muscles are stimulated, building strength and timing.
Home program
You learn the strategies and positioning that carry progress into every meal between visits.
VitalStim is not a stand-alone fix
VitalStim works best inside a full feeding and swallowing plan that also addresses oral motor skills, positioning, texture and liquid progression, and caregiver training. It is not right for every child, and candidacy is decided after an evaluation and in consultation with your child's medical team.
Why families choose NTX for VitalStim
- VitalStim-certified pediatric speech-language pathologist
- Therapy in your home, during real meals
- Experience with high-risk and medically complex infants
- Coordination with your pediatrician, GI, ENT and swallow study team
- Clear goals and progress you can see
- Private pay, with no waiting on insurance approvals
Serving families across North Texas
We provide in-home VitalStim and feeding therapy in Celina, Little Elm, Anna and surrounding Collin and Denton County communities. Not sure if we come to you? Ask us. Learn more about infant feeding therapy, in-home therapy and how VitalStim fits into swallowing care.
Wondering if VitalStim could help your child?
Every child starts with a feeding and swallowing evaluation. We'll review medical history and any swallow study, look at how your child eats and drinks, and tell you honestly whether VitalStim fits.