Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

A ‘swallowing disorder’ means the same as a ‘swallowing difficulty’. It can mean swallowing is painful or distressing. It can also mean food or drink that should go into the stomach goes into the lungs instead.

Why do swallowing disorders happen?

Swallowing involves the action of many nerves and muscles in the neck and throat. These nerves and muscles are coordinated and controlled by specific areas in the brain. If the areas in the brain get damaged it can cause a swallowing disorder.

How common are swallowing disorders?

One way in which the areas of brain controlling swallowing can be damaged is due to a stroke. About 50% of people who have a stroke will have a swallowing disorder that can last for days, weeks, months or even years.

What is a swallowing disorder (also known as dysphagia)?

This can be serious and can cause:

• choking

• pneumonia

Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

What is Phagenyx?

Phagenyx is a treatment for swallowing disorders. The treatment involves very small amounts of electrical stimulation being delivered to a specific area of the throat (the pharynx). Phagenyx treatment does not involve surgery.

How do people recover their ability to swallow?

When people do manage to recover their swallow, this usually happens because another part of the brain has taken over responsibility for swallowing control.

This happens naturally for many people after stroke but the amount of time it takes can vary a lot. Unfortunately it is not possible to tell if swallowing will recover or how long it might take.

What are the benefits of Phagenyx treatment?

About 75% of people with a swallowing disorder after a stroke have been shown in studies to benefit from Phagenyx treatment. These studies have shown that this type of treatment can:

• Create the same kind of helpful changes in the brain that happen naturally

• Speed up the recovery process in the brain

• Reduce the risk of food or drink going into the lungs

• Help people to eat and drink more safely and easily

• Help people get better and leave hospital sooner. In one study it was shown, that on average, people went home 5 days earlier from hospital because of the treatment.

Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

Who can have Phagenyx treatment?

If you have had a stroke recently and this has caused you to have difficulties swallowing, you may be considered for Phagenyx treatment.

Who can’t have Phagenyx?

Some people can’t have this treatment if they:

• Have a permanent pacemaker

• Have an intra cardiac defibrillator

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Can’t have a nasogastric tube passed safely

• Are going for a particular type of scan (MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The Phagenyx tube would need to be removed before an MRI scan.

Your doctor will decide if you can receive Phagenyx treatment.

Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

What does the treatment involve?

The treatment will usually be carried out at your bedside in hospital but you may be taken to a quiet area instead.

You will need to sit up or be propped up in a comfortable position during the treatment.

You will need to have a special Phagenyx tube passed into your stomach through your nose and throat. This tube has tiny electrodes on it at the level of the throat.

The healthcare professional will connect the tube in your nose to the Phagenyx machine, and then do some tests to decide the exact dose of treatment for you.

When this has been done and you are ready, you will then have 10 minutes of stimulation through the tube in your throat. The treatment may be uncomfortable but will not be painful and some people may not feel any sensation during the treatment.

Afterwards, the healthcare professional will disconnect the tube from the machine but the tube will stay in your nose ready for the next Phagenyx treatment session.

This treatment will happen for 10 minutes on 3 consecutive days, then it is complete. You may then have the tube removed if it is no longer needed for feeding.

If you do need a tube for feeding, the Phagenyx tube will allow you to be fed and receive the Phagenyx treatment from this one tube. You can’t use a standard feeding tube for Phagenyx treatment.

Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

How much stimulation is best for me?

• The level of electrical stimulation needed varies from patient to patient

• It can also vary from treatment to treatment for a single patient

• Research studies have consistently shown however that higher levels produce better results. Before each treatment session the person delivering the treatment will help you find the highest level to ensure that you are getting the best possible stimulation but are also comfortable throughout.

How does Phagenyx treatment feel?

Everyone experiences the sensation differently. Some people describe a mild fizzing, pulsing or heart-burn type feeling in their throat.

Who delivers the treatment?

Only a healthcare professional who has successfully completed the authorised Phagenyx training can carry out the treatment. In this training they will have received information regarding all aspects of the treatment and demonstrated their ability to use Phagenyx treatment safely and effectively.

The healthcare professional giving you the treatment will stay with you during each 10 minute treatment session.

Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

Are there any side effects?

There have been no recorded harmful side effects from Phagenyx treatment over any of the many studies and treatments carried out to date.

Alternatives to Phagenyx.

At present Phagenyx is the only scientifically and clinically evidence based treatment that has been shown to induce brain changes that lead to improvements in the performance and safety of swallowing.

Will it stop me having the fluids or diet recommended by my Speech and Language Therapist?

No, if your Speech and Language Therapist has recommended that you take modified diet or fluids as well as receive Phagenyx treatment, you may continue. However, you will not be able to eat or drink during the 10 minutes of Phagenyx treatment delivery.

If you have any questions about Phagenyx treatment, please ask your healthcare professional.

Phagenyx treatment for swallowing disorders

 

This information has been produced jointly with people who have communication difficulties after a stroke and their carers who attend Speakeasy, Bury, UK. www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk

Phagenesis Ltd, Unit 18, Enterprise House, Manchester Science Park, Manchester M15 6SE, UK

Tel: +44 (0)161 820 4525 email: contact@phagenesis.com

www.phagenesis.com

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