Dysphagia
Introduction
❗ Degree of dysphagia is not correlated to the degree of life threatening.
→ Unknown problems can lead to aspiration.
Swallowing physiology:
1. Panel A = different muscles involved and timing when activated.
= coordinated pattern.
= well described muscle activity regarding swallowing.
We swallow several times per minute = reflex = subconscience.
2. Panel B = pressures present in different parts of the facial oral tract.
= coordinated pattern.
Pressures = peristaltic movement.
→ Food is pushed down and not falling down.
Dysphagia 1
, Examples of problems:
1. Laying in bed:
Swallowing activity but food is coming out.
→ Solution: good position.
2. Asymmetry in the face:
Only lower part of the face = central facial nerve paresis.
Both parts of the face = peripheral facial nerve paresis.
Functions of the facial oral tract.
Breathing, voice, mime, speech and nutrition.
Importance of dysphagia:
1. Dehydration.
2. Aspiration:
❗ Aspiration = food/fluid in the airways.
Coughing as a reflex if this happens, but in neurological disorders this
also is affected.
3. Participation level also!
Face
❗ = mirror to the world verbal & non-verbal communication.
Dysphagia 2
Introduction
❗ Degree of dysphagia is not correlated to the degree of life threatening.
→ Unknown problems can lead to aspiration.
Swallowing physiology:
1. Panel A = different muscles involved and timing when activated.
= coordinated pattern.
= well described muscle activity regarding swallowing.
We swallow several times per minute = reflex = subconscience.
2. Panel B = pressures present in different parts of the facial oral tract.
= coordinated pattern.
Pressures = peristaltic movement.
→ Food is pushed down and not falling down.
Dysphagia 1
, Examples of problems:
1. Laying in bed:
Swallowing activity but food is coming out.
→ Solution: good position.
2. Asymmetry in the face:
Only lower part of the face = central facial nerve paresis.
Both parts of the face = peripheral facial nerve paresis.
Functions of the facial oral tract.
Breathing, voice, mime, speech and nutrition.
Importance of dysphagia:
1. Dehydration.
2. Aspiration:
❗ Aspiration = food/fluid in the airways.
Coughing as a reflex if this happens, but in neurological disorders this
also is affected.
3. Participation level also!
Face
❗ = mirror to the world verbal & non-verbal communication.
Dysphagia 2
