What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to describe the experience of observing oropharyngeal dysphagia in ALS patients using endoscopic evaluations.

March 24, 2026Open Access

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients Affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Key Points

The aim is to describe the experience of observing oropharyngeal dysphagia in ALS patients using endoscopic evaluations.
Conducted a retrospective study of ALS patients
Utilized serial functional endoscopic evaluations of swallowing
Divided patients into no-aspiration and aspiration groups based on scoring
Classified dysphagia levels per established guidelines
Examined 32 ALS patients, noting various dysphagia progression patterns
Observed a nonlinear evolution of dysphagia in participants
Identified a plateau phase in bulbar-onset ALS patients

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of this study was to describe our experience in the observation of oropharyngeal dysphagia with endoscopic evaluations in patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients suffering from ALS managed with serial functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.Patients were divided into a no-aspiration group and an aspiration group based on Penetration Aspiration Scale scores obtained during endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.Setting: Tertiary Referral Center for Rehabilitation.Dysphagia was classified according to American Speech Language Hearing Association-National Outcome Measurement System levels.Results: A total of 32 patients were examined, and different progression patterns of dysphagia were observed.Clinical evidence: A nonlinear evolution of dysphagia, with a plateau phase in patients with bulbar-onset type ALS, was observed.

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Cite This Study

Stefano et al. (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c2294caeb5a845df0d385e https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10003-1690

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