title: Silent aspiration and recovery from dysphagia in a case of bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis.
abstract: Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disease with rapid progression typically followed by complete recovery. Reports of dysphagia in this population are limited and general. The purpose of this article is to heighten awareness of the potential for silent aspiration in patients with BBE. This article details the nature of dysphagia during the recovery phase of BBE and includes findings from serial videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluations. In addition, it shows the impact of cognitive impairment on the ability to eat safely. Early instrumental swallowing evaluation, close monitoring, and conservative management are essential to ensure safety in patients recovering from BBE.
authors.affiliation: Audiology & Speech Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dietrich-Burns
authors.forename: W J Bryan
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Daniel Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Lesley
authors.forename: Nancy Pearl
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001933:Brain Stem; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000150:complications*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020127:Recovery of Function