Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Sialorrhea in an Elderly Woman With Parkinson's Disease

Sialorrhea, a common symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), is related to reduced oromotor control and autonomic dysfunction. However, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) helps improve overall swallowing function. We performed NMES for eight weeks in an 84-year-old woman with stage 5 PD and severe sialorrhea. The severity and frequency of drooling improved within one to three weeks of NMES. NMES can be used for patients who have lost the will to be rehabilitated or are unable to control an appropriate rehabilitation load themselves. It may also be useful for patients with multiple complications who are unable to commence new medications or injections.