Evaluation and Treatment of Dysphagia Following Stroke

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) following stroke are common and occur more frequently in older people. This article first presents a brief overview of the incidence and prevalence of dysphagia poststroke, the presence of aspiration, its effect on morbidity, and the effects of aging on swallowing. Thereafter, a review of current trends in the evaluation of dysphagia is given, including bedside swallow assessments, videofluoroscopy, and pulse oximetry. A review of treatment strategies employed by speech and language therapists is given together with the evidence (or lack of it) for such strategies.