Home / Health / NHS First: Bespoke Artificial Tongue Restores Cancer Survivor's Speech
NHS First: Bespoke Artificial Tongue Restores Cancer Survivor's Speech
8 Oct
Summary
- A cancer survivor received the NHS's first bespoke artificial tongue.
- The prosthetic was custom-made to help her regain clear speech.
- It has significantly improved her communication and quality of life.
Dr. Imogen Brooks, a cancer survivor, has received what is believed to be the NHS's first bespoke artificial tongue. After cancer treatment led to the loss of most of her tongue and subsequent shrinkage from radiotherapy, Dr. Brooks faced significant speech challenges. Simple conversations became difficult, and strangers often reacted with fear or confusion.
Determined to regain her voice, Dr. Brooks collaborated with a multidisciplinary team at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. They spent months developing a custom U-shaped prosthetic made of cobalt chrome and silicone. This innovative device clips onto her lower teeth and is designed to maximize sound generation.
Dr. Brooks reported noticeable speech improvements within three days of using the prosthetic, with a full adaptation in about two weeks. The artificial tongue has restored her confidence, enabling easier conversations with loved ones and reducing the physical effort required to speak. This pioneering development aims to inspire further patient-led innovation within the NHS to enhance patient quality of life.
