Head and Neck Lymphedema Solutions

Head and Neck Lymphedema Treatment

Flexitouch Plus provides a comfortable, effective, at-home treatment designed to help head and neck lymphedema patients get back to their lives.

The Flexitouch Plus system is clinically proven to stimulate the lymphatic system and to treat head and neck lymphedema.

The head and neck garment set is easy to use and features the clinically proven Flexitouch technology that tens of thousands of lymphedema patients rely on every day to effectively treat their extremities.

Flexitouch Plus helps reduce swelling and relieve symptoms of head and neck lymphedema with effective treatments that are:

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Head and Neck Lymphedema FAQs

What is head and neck lymphedema?

Head and neck lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition that’s caused by a disruption to the lymphatic system, leading to a buildup of fluid in the tissues of the head and neck. Head and neck lymphedema can be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary head and neck lymphedema can be hereditary and passed down from a parent, present at birth (congenital), or spontaneous in nature. Secondary head and neck lymphedema is more common and is the result of damage or restrain to the lymphatic system, such as direct trauma from an injury, cancer, or cancer treatment.

What are the symptoms of head and neck lymphedema?

The symptoms of head and neck lymphedema can vary from person to person but can occur internally in locations like the throat, mouth, tongue, and voice box or externally in the face and neck. However, whether you’re living with facial lymphedema or neck lymphedema, the common symptoms include:

• Swelling in the face, neck, or throat
• Difficulty swallowing, eating, speaking, or breathing
• Congestion
• Changes in skin texture
• Decreased range of motion, stiffness, or pain in the neck and shoulders
• Pain and swelling that feels hard when touched
• Changes in vision or hearing

What causes head and neck lymphedema?

In cases of primary head and neck lymphedema, the cause can be genetic, present at birth, or spontaneous in nature. However, secondary head and neck lymphedema is more common and can have several different causes. Some of the most common causes of lymphedema in the head and neck and lymphedema risk factors to be aware of include:

• Cancer: If a cancer tumor disrupts the flow of lymph fluid in the head and neck, lymphedema can occur.
• Cancer treatment and radiation therapy: Removal of a lymph node or vessel, along with scarring from surgical procedures and damage of nodes and vessels from radiation, can disrupt the flow of fluid in the lymphatics, leading to lymphedema.

While cancer and its treatments, including cancer surgery and/or radiation therapy, are the most common causes of head and neck lymphedema, other potential causes include trauma/injury to the lymphatics around the head and neck, infections like cellulitis, and vascular diseases.

How do you treat head and neck lymphedema?

Lymphedema treatment involves a personalized approach depending on the cause and symptoms of your head and neck lymphedema. For many lymphedema patients, a multipronged approach, including head and neck lymphedema compression garments, exercise, and healthy lifestyle modifications, will be recommended by your doctor or certified lymphedema therapist. Below are some of the components of a head and neck lymphedema treatment plan:

• Complete decongestive therapy (CDT): CDT combines several treatment methods to stimulate the lymphatics and relieve pain, swelling, and related symptoms. It starts with in-clinic treatment provided by a lymphedema therapist and is followed by self-management at home. The treatment includes exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, and compression.
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): MLD is a specialized massage technique that stimulates the flow of fluid throughout the lymphatics. Pneumatic compression devices like the Flexitouch Plus system mimic MLD and are often recommended by doctors for at-home maintenance.
• Compression: To reduce and maintain the reduction of swelling, compression garments for head and neck lymphedema are recommended
• Exercise: Head and neck lymphedema exercises, such as stretching, head tilts, shoulder shrugs, and yoga, help promote lymphatic drainage and maintain a healthy weight.
• Skin care: Proper skin care for lymphedema helps to prevent infections and complications that can exacerbate swelling and other symptoms.

Following the elements of CDT, including wearing compression garments for lymphedema, manual lymphatic drainage for the head and neck, exercise, and a skin care routine, can help provide relief from lymphedema and related symptoms. Contact Tactile Medical today to learn how our head and neck lymphedema therapy can help.