NMES is routinely used to help restore muscle function in other parts of the body. But traditional NMES treatments and electrodes are contraindicated for use on the muscles necessary for pharyngeal contraction. The specific concerns: that stimulating the laryngeal afferents could trigger laryngospasm, and that placing electrodes too close to the carotid artery could cause sinus bradycardia. But the VitalStim® Therapy System is not a traditional NMES treatment. The VitalStim® Therapy System equipment and electrodes were specifically developed for the treatment of dysphagia and are not used in other NMES treatments.