Swallowing evaluation and treatment

Clinical evaluation of swallowing, this includes:

  • patient case history
  • cranial nerve assessment
  • food/fluid consistency trial

Objective swallowing assessments if required include:

  • FEEST (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation and sensory testing) carried out by both the ENT and Speech Pathologist
  • MBS (Modified Barium Swallow)

Swallowing treatments/interventions may include all/some of the following:

  • Provide compensatory strategies (e.g. positioning and method of food/fluid delivery)
  • Provide therapy techniques (e.g. to improve muscle tone)
  • Modify food and fluid consistencies if required
  • Education to patient and family