Archives

Post-Extubation Dysphagia

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is for patients who are experiencing dysphagia after being intubated due to surgery or an emergency situation. The handout describes the process of endotracheal intubation, the risk of developing dysphagia, statistics on recovery, how speech-language pathologists can help, and symptoms that would indicate the need for physician referral. The handout also has a visual anatomy drawing with highlights around the vocal folds and epiglottis, which can be damaged during intubation.
This content is only available to members.

Parkinson’s and Swallowing

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This two page handout includes a description of dysphagia, how it presents in people with Parkinson’s, how the swallow works, a brief description of lingual pumping, treatment and management strategies, and complications of dysphagia for this population.
This content is only available to members.

Oral Care and Aspiration Pneumonia

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Handout to provide to staff, patients, and family to help communicate the importance of oral care to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
This content is only available to members.

Oral Care and Overall Health

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Oral care continues to be one of the most powerful preventative cares in rehabilitation and long-term care settings. This handout describes the latest research showing the effect that oral care can have on overall health, including brain function, heart longevity, and diabetes management.
This content is only available to members.

Meltable Solids for People with Dysphagia

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes the texture and benefits of meltable solids for people who have dysphagia, particularly people who are on pureed diets but still have the ability to chew.
This content is only available to members.

MBSS vs FEES

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout provides a detailed explanation of the differences between the modified barium swallow study (MBSS) and the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). The handout provides definitions of each study method and outlines the pros/cons of each, as well as the limitations and contraindications of each.
This content is only available to members.

How to Make Thickened Liquid Popsicles

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
There are, in fact, ways to make it so that thickened liquids don’t taste like snot. One strategy is to serve the drinks as cold as possible… even better, freeze them!
This content is only available to members.

How to Complete Oral Care

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is designed for staff, patients, family, and caregivers to improve the quality of oral care and reducing the risks associated with oral bacteria in the body.
This content is only available to members.

How Damage to the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves Affects Swallowing and Voice

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout provides a visual depicting the unique pathway of the recurrent laryngeal nerves from the brainstem, around the heart, and up to the larynx. The handout describes the purpose of cranial nerves as well as the specific functions of the vagus nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerves. The handout features a list of symptoms that patients may experience with damage to these nerves.
This content is only available to members.

Hidden Dangers for People with Dysphagia on Thickened Liquids

December 25, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is designed for patients, caregivers, and staff to illustrate where “hidden” thin liquids may pose a risk for people with dysphagia on thickened liquids. While not a comprehensive list, this handout highlights ice, straws, frozen treats, soup, and saliva, laying out the reasons why these things may pose an increased risk of aspiration and offering alternative solutions to reduce this risk.
This content is only available to members.