Archives

Odynophagia or Painful Swallowing

January 1, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This handout explains the difference between dysphagia and odynophagia, common symptoms and causes, and provides some treatment considerations. 
This content is only available to members.

NG Tube Effect on Swallowing Physiology

December 30, 2021 by Megan Berg.
A common question asked by SLPs is whether the presence of an NG tube affects swallow function. This clinical resource provides insight and answers to this question using research on both normal and post-stroke populations.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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 risk. This handout will explain the purpose of HFNC and provide clinical questions to be considered by the medical team.
This content is only available to members.

What to Know Before Signing a Legal Variance Form

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout is designed for patients and families facing the complex and personal decision of either signing a variance form or following specific safe swallow precautions prescribed in a healthcare setting. All patients and families deserve to know 1) their risk of dysphagia; 2) strategies to reduce their risk of dysphagia; and 3) their rights regarding their choice to use those strategies or not within a healthcare setting. This handout describes these three important factors.
This content is only available to members.

What is Dysphagia?

December 26, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This handout visualizes the anatomy/physiology of the swallow and describes general symptoms of dysphagia.
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.
This content is only available to members.