Neurogenic dysphagia. Frequency, progression, and outcome in adults following head injury.
A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine the frequency, progression, and outcome of neurogenic dysphagia in head-injured adults admitted to a rehabilitation facility. Approximately 25 percent of the sample demonstrated swallowing or oral motor problems on admission. Ninety-four percent of this group ultimately became successful oral feeders. The majority of these patients participated in a feeding program planned and implemented by the physical therapist. The average time from injury for the nonoral feeders to successful completion of their first oral meal was about three months. A concomitant resolution of cognitive problems, primitive oral motor reflexes, and neurogenic dysphagia occurred.
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies