Archives

Common Autoimmune Diseases and Dysphagia

June 30, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Autoimmune diseases can cause dysphagia when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells, organs, and tissues involved in the swallowing process. This handout provides basic information on fifteen autoimmune diseases that can affect swallow function.
This content is only available to members.

Muscle Tension Dysphagia

April 30, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
This quick reference guide captures the basics of muscle tension dysphagia and outlines some available treatment options.
This content is only available to members.

Comparing a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study and Esophagram

April 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
A Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and esophagram are helpful tools for evaluating a person’s swallowing function. This handout explains the similarities and differences to help determine which one may be more appropriate.
This content is only available to members.

Saliva Anatomy and Function

March 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Saliva is necessary for supporting swallowing, digestion, and teeth protection. Three salivary glands produce one to two liters of the body’s daily saliva. Video on how to use this resource: Nascimento, D., Carmona, J., Mestre, T., Ferreira, J. J., & Guimarães, I. (2021). Drooling rating scales in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Parkinsonism & Related […]
This content is only available to members.

The Brain and Swallowing

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Swallowing is a complex automatic process we often take for granted until this daily activity becomes difficult. This material provides some insight into how the brain stem and brain work simultaneously to make swallowing happen safely.
This content is only available to members.

Swallow Initiation

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Just how exactly is the swallow triggered? This handout describes the oral and pharyngeal sequences involved in a successful swallow. Also discusses swallow delay as well as how speech therapy can improve swallow initiation and reduce the risk of dysphagia and associated aspiration.
This content is only available to members.

SLP Role in the Esophageal Stage of Swallowing

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
What exactly is our role when it comes to esophageal dysfunction? This material describes the SLP’s role in screening for/being a part of a multidisciplinary team to treat esophageal dysphagia. Includes a handy reference chart for comparing and contrasting the symptoms of each etiology of dysphagia.
This content is only available to members.