Swallowing Disorders

Evaluation of swallowing disorders is completed through Clinical Swallow Evaluations and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies. The clinical evaluation allows the speech pathologist to observe the patient, often during meal times for inpatients and through administering food items to outpatients, to determine the safety and appropriateness of oral feeding. This type of evaluation may provide key information regarding the patients oral motor function, swallow function, and ability to comply with recommended swallow guidelines. The videofluoroscopic swallow study is completed in conjunction with the Department of Radiology. This assessment allows the speech pathologist to further evaluate the oral and pharyngeal swallow in real time with the use of fluoroscopic X-ray. Videoswallow studies are often recommended if a patient demonstrates clinical signs/ symptoms of aspiration during a clinical evaluation or is having difficulty tolerating a recommended diet. Both the Clinical and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies are useful in the planning and implementation of diet recommendations, swallow guidelines, and swallowing therapy as needed. With additonal questions, please contact Caroline Deskin at cdeskin@uic.edu or Kim Hobart at kzimmerm@uic.edu.