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