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W7 Assignment 1: Look at Dysphagia
Maria Gonzalez
Communication and Disorders Program, Abilene Christian University
CSDO 380.W1 Organic & Neurogenic Disorders
Professor Elizabeth McAlister
April 28, 2025
, 2
Sonia (0:32)
What caused Sonia to have dysphagia was due to a brain tumor. The regions of the
nervous system that are engaged include the cranial nerves, cerebral cortex and subcortical white
matter. The medulla oblongata could sustain damage, as it contains the central pattern generator
(CPG) responsible for the act of swallowing. Assessing the severity of dysphagia involves
conducting a physical examination of the oral and pharyngeal structures. In Mayo Clinic (2024)
is provides several exams that may be used to evaluate such as an MRI, Fiberoptic Endoscopic
Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). “FEES does not expose patients to radiation and can be done
at the bedside without the use of barium” (Rouse, 2015, p.297).
Questions that I would think of asking Sonia: How long does it take you to finish your
meal? What types of solids or liquids is best and worst for you?
In Sonia’s situation, I would anticipate the following questions to be addressed: She
refrains from dining out because she is unable to swallow. As she cannot consume solid foods,
she has transitioned to a liquid diet due to her dysphagia.
Two dysphagia interventions that I think may be beneficial could be thermal stimulation,
and laryngeal adduction/elevation exercises. Thermal stimulation will assist in activating the
swallow reflex, while elevation exercise contribute to the strengthening and coordination of the
muscles responsible for closing the vocal folds and rising the larynx.
Terry (3:22)
What caused Terry to have dysphagia was also due to a brain tumor. The regions of the
nervous system that are engaged include the cranial nerves and cerebral cortex. The medulla
oblongata could sustain damage, as it contains the central pattern generator (CPG) responsible
for the act of swallowing. Assessing the severity of dysphagia involves conducting a physical
W7 Assignment 1: Look at Dysphagia
Maria Gonzalez
Communication and Disorders Program, Abilene Christian University
CSDO 380.W1 Organic & Neurogenic Disorders
Professor Elizabeth McAlister
April 28, 2025
, 2
Sonia (0:32)
What caused Sonia to have dysphagia was due to a brain tumor. The regions of the
nervous system that are engaged include the cranial nerves, cerebral cortex and subcortical white
matter. The medulla oblongata could sustain damage, as it contains the central pattern generator
(CPG) responsible for the act of swallowing. Assessing the severity of dysphagia involves
conducting a physical examination of the oral and pharyngeal structures. In Mayo Clinic (2024)
is provides several exams that may be used to evaluate such as an MRI, Fiberoptic Endoscopic
Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). “FEES does not expose patients to radiation and can be done
at the bedside without the use of barium” (Rouse, 2015, p.297).
Questions that I would think of asking Sonia: How long does it take you to finish your
meal? What types of solids or liquids is best and worst for you?
In Sonia’s situation, I would anticipate the following questions to be addressed: She
refrains from dining out because she is unable to swallow. As she cannot consume solid foods,
she has transitioned to a liquid diet due to her dysphagia.
Two dysphagia interventions that I think may be beneficial could be thermal stimulation,
and laryngeal adduction/elevation exercises. Thermal stimulation will assist in activating the
swallow reflex, while elevation exercise contribute to the strengthening and coordination of the
muscles responsible for closing the vocal folds and rising the larynx.
Terry (3:22)
What caused Terry to have dysphagia was also due to a brain tumor. The regions of the
nervous system that are engaged include the cranial nerves and cerebral cortex. The medulla
oblongata could sustain damage, as it contains the central pattern generator (CPG) responsible
for the act of swallowing. Assessing the severity of dysphagia involves conducting a physical
