Archives

Lingual Strength and Range of Motion Exercises

December 29, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout outlines justification of each exercise in the categories of lingual resistance, lingual range of motion, and base of tongue exercises. Based on the work of Lezarus et al, 2003 and Robbins et al, 2007.
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Let’s Talk Aspiration: How Much is Too Much?

December 29, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This material explains the difference between “aspiration” and “silent aspiration.” New research with healthy swallows shows occasional aspiration and silent aspiration can be tolerated by the body in small amounts. This information will help with the differential diagnosis of dysphagia and presbyphagia and prevent over-diagnosis of dysphagia.
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Lab Value Reference for Clinicians

December 27, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This resource is designed for clinicians needing to reference the lab values for their patients when doing chart reviews. Each of the lab values is explained with the normative range and provides extra information about how a change in lab values may affect cognitive-communication and dysphagia.
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Keep Calm and Assess the Risk of Aspiration Pneumonia

December 27, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Does aspiration = pneumonia? Maybe. This handout is designed to help SLPs navigate this complex conversation with patients who are at risk of dysphagia. The handout breaks down the evidence base of three variables and how they stack up to different risks. This provides a clear visual as to how a healthy immune system and […]
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IDDSI Level 4 (Pureed/Extremely Thick)

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
The International Dysphagia Diet Initiative (IDDSI) level four encompasses both drink and food which are “extremely thick” and “pureed.” This material provides information for patients and their caregivers on this consistency’s characteristics, the reasoning for recommendation/need for this consistency, ways to test this consistency at home, and helpful recommendations and examples.
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High Flow Nasal Cannulas and Dysphagia

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
A person may need respiratory support from a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for multiple reasons. However, the medical team will need to collaborate with the speech-language pathologist to determine if swallowing will be safe for this non-invasive oxygen treatment. The SLP will consider many questions because HFNC can negatively change swallowing safety and increase aspiration […]
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Xerostomia / Dry Mouth

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes the various causes of xerostomia and provides a list of treatment options, including using natural enzymes, adjusting medications, oral rinses and moisturizing products, use of humidifiers, and avoiding dehydrating foods/liquids.
This content is only available to members.

Which Thickener is Right for Me?

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout lays out the basics of these types of thickeners, including main ingredients, shelf life, how they’re thickened, and pros/cons.
This content is only available to members.