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Semin Speech Lang 2019; 40(03): 188-202
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688815
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Clinical Decision Making in Patients with Stroke-Related Dysphagia

Cecilia C. Felix
1   Department of Speech Pathology, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas
,
Megan E. Joseph
1   Department of Speech Pathology, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas
2   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
,
Stephanie K. Daniels
2   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 June 2019 (online)

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Abstract

This article aims to highlight stroke considerations in the evaluation and management of dysphagia. Although dysphagia was previously thought to occur only following brainstem or bilateral cortical strokes, the development of brain imaging and dynamic swallowing studies has revealed small, unilateral supratentorial strokes can produce dysphagia. In this article, screening, evaluation, and management of dysphagia are outlined, as well as the clinical decision making that occurs when taking into account cognitive and communication deficits that may be present. For the clinical swallow examination, chart review, interview, informal evaluation of cognition and communication, observation of posture, oral cavity inspection, cranial nerve examination, and the direct swallowing assessment are reviewed along with tailoring of each according to the deficits observed. Specific compensation and rehabilitation strategies are discussed along with how cognitive and communication deficits can guide the clinician's decision-making process to select an appropriate plan of care. A case study is provided to synthesize the process into a real-world scenario.

Keywords

dysphagia - stroke - rehabilitation - assessment/evaluation

Financial Disclosures

C.C.F. receives salary support from Memorial Hermann Health System.


M.E.J. receives salary support from the University of Houston and Memorial Hermann Health System.


S.K.D. receives salary support from the University of Houston, and royalties from Plural Publishing and MedBridge.


 

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