Multi-modal Dysphagia Management

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that affects about 15% of the world population, typically resulting from various medical conditions: stroke, brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, head & neck cancer, and many more. Another cause is aging, with most people over 75 suffering from some degree of dysphagia. In severe cases, dysphagia can cause malnutrition, dehydration and even life-threatening lung infections. 

Dysphagia is usually diagnosed and treated by speech therapists, with patients required to train at home. However, the effectiveness of prescribed exercises is difficult to assess and monitor.

Our multidisciplinary team is developing MODAM – a wearable noninvasive system worn around the neck, using several sensors to monitor and measure the activity of swallowing muscles in real time – providing clinicians with objective data for accurately assessing their patients’ condition and progress. Moreover, MODAM empowers patients through user-friendly biofeedback, to improve training and enhance patient compliance. 

The MODAM project combines the capabilities of HIT researchers from the Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Dept. of Digital Medical Technologies, and MADE (Multidisciplinary Assistive Design & Engineering) Lab, with the knowhow of swallowing disorders specialists from the Rabin Medical Center. 

For more information please contact:

Dr. Michal Balberg, +972-54-6657123, balbergm@hit.ac.il