title: Current investigation of swallowing disorders.
abstract: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is usually either a secondary manifestation of neuromuscular disease or a primary abnormality related to structural aberrations of the oropharynx. In either case, a focused history is essential in defining the malfunction and distinguishing oropharyngeal dysphagia from globus, xerostomia, or oesophageal dysphagia. The functional evaluation of the oropharyngeal swallow is best accomplished by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study which is used to assess efficacy of functional elements within the swallow: nasopharyngeal closure, UOS opening, airway protection, tongue loading, tongue pulsion and pharyngeal clearance. Both diagnosis and therapy of oropharyngeal dysphagia are based on this functional assessment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kahrilas
mesh_terms: D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D014743:Videotape Recording