Glossopharyngeal and neck accessory muscle breathing in a young adult with C2 complete tetraplegia resulting in ventilator dependency.

BACKGROUND AND
PURPOSE: 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. CASE DESCRIPTION: 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. OUTCOME: 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. DISCUSSION: 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.