Evaluating Swallowing Disorders: The Speech-Language Pathologist's Perspective.
A comprehensive evaluation of swallowing is critical for identifying the presence of a dysphagia, the stage of dysfunction, and the underlying cause of difficulty, as well as for determining the risk for aspiration. This article reviews the procedures of the evaluation, typically conducted by a speech-language pathologist. The evaluation includes a complete history of the problem, a clinical swallowing evaluation, and a video- fluorographic assessment (or other instrumental assessment) of the swallowing mechanism. The results of the evaluation al low the clinician to determine an appropriate individualized management plan.
a Clinical Researcher, Communicative Disorders Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Northwestern University Medical School Chicago , Illinois.
Leora Reiff
LR
Cherney
b Allied Health Supervisor, Outpatient Services Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Chicago , Illinois.
Tracy Starkel
TS
Souder
dysphagia; evaluation; stroke