Archives

Cervical Osteophytes and Swallowing

January 31, 2025 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource explains how cervical osteophytes can impact swallowing, highlighting key risks like aspiration and impaired epiglottis movement, with easy-to-understand details and real patient data. Featuring an illustrated overview of swallow anatomy and osteophyte compression, this guide is perfect for therapists to share with patients to support education and management strategies.
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Swallow Study Orders: Quick Reference for Providers

July 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Conflicting information can be confusing for providers, resulting in writing incorrect or incomplete orders for patients when it comes to swallow studies. This very brief summary provides an easy, quick-to-read summary you can share with providers in order to improve the accuracy of their orders. Covers clinical swallow exam, MBSS/VFSS, FEES, and the esophagram.
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Handout: What is Barium Sulfate and How Does it Affect My Body?

February 29, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
During a modified barium swallow study, barium helps assess a person’s swallowing function. A medical professional can use this handout to discuss whether a modified barium swallow study is best for the person and how barium affects the body.
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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.

What is a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)?

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes what an MBSS is, why someone might need it, how to prepare for the exam, what will happen during the exam, and what they can expect after the exam. The handout also features a series of images taken from a swallow xray to give patients a concrete idea of what exactly will be imaged during this exam.
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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.
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Pediatric FEES vs. MBS

December 24, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This resource is a checklist that clinicians may use to help determine which swallow instrumentation is best suitable for their patients. Clinicians may also use this as a resource when inservicing other disciplines on swallow instrumentation, or when communicating with patients and families about assessment options.
This content is only available to members.