[strigg]

I have been asked by a spinal injured friend to find out about dysphagia and where we can go for help. He has seen various nhs doctors but no solution has been found. Without going into detail yet, has anyone any information about this, also suffering, or have any ideas on where to start this task. Please reply to sarah_trigg@hotmail.com

[Apparelyzed]

A Speech Language Therapist is usually used to evaluate a patient who complains of dysphagia.

Can he get a referal by his doctor?

The reasons for dysphagia vary, so the person doing the evaluation would need his full medical history, especially if it is due to neuro trauma from a cervical (neck) or head injury.

Regards

Simon

[doublelibra]

Hello, Strigg-

I have a cervical (neck) injury, and I had nerve damage after my injury. I could not swallow without aspirating for about 8 mos. I was evaluated by a very good Ear Nose and Throat doctor, who prescribed swallowing therapy 2x/day with a Speech Therapist. The diagnosis and my progress was observed with video flouroscopy, an x-ray procedure where they can see the liquids and foods in the process of being swallowed. I was on tube feedng until the swallowing muscles were strong enough to keep the stuff I swalowed from going the wrong way, i.e. into the airway. Pureed foods and thickened liquids are introduced gradually until you reach the point where you can swallow regular foods and water successfully. It's a long tedious process, in my experience, but I did get back to normal swallowing.

doublelibra