Glossopharyngeal and Neck Accessory Muscle Breathing in a Young Adult With C2 Complete Tetraplegia Resulting in Ventilator Dependency

Abstract

This case report describes the use of glossopharyngeal breathing (GPB) and neck accessory muscle breathing (NAMB) in the treatment of an individual who was dependent on a ventilator secondary to a spinal cord injury. The patient was a 19-year-old man with C2 complete tetraplegia. He received a 5-week inpatient program of GPB training 3 to 4 times per week. A 4-week NAMB training program followed. Following GPB training, forced vital capacity increased 35-fold, time off the ventilator improved from 0 to 30 minutes, and a nonfunctional cough became a weak functional cough. After NAMB training, the patient was able to be off the ventilator for 2 minutes. Increased ventilatory capability has the potential to affect patients' quality of life by improving cough function and decreasing dependence on a ventilator in the event of accidental disconnection.