Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) pose considerable risk to the patient because of the potential effects such as malnutrition, dehydration and pneumonia. Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art treatment of dysphagia.
The speech language pathologist works to restore safe and efficient eating for patients who have had their swallowing disrupted by injury or disease. The first step in treatment involves a thorough evaluation to determine the specific problems the patient is having, assess safe diet textures, and determine treatment strategies, which can be applied to maximize recovery and return to as normal a diet as possible.
The videofluoroscopic swallow function study is available at our main campus and allows the speech language pathologist to view the patient's swallow on a digital video swallowing station. This permits detection of silent aspiration and the specific physical problems of the dysphagia, which will guide the treatment.
Treatment may involve modification of diet textures, use of compensatory strategies, and exercises to promote strength and coordination of the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing. Our patients have access to the application of electrical stimulation therapy (VitalStimTM Therapy) during their swallowing treatment.
For more information about the Swallowing Therapy Program at Siskin Hospital, call 423.634.1389.
For more information on the technology of VitalStim Therapy, click here.
