Assessment Flashcards
Why choose FEES?
Inexpensive, easier to transport
Good to see movement of bolus through pharynx and gauging success of airway mechanism
Limitation:
Cannot use for oral stage (as passes through nose)
Cannot determine bolus movement at point of swallow
Why choose video-fluoroscopy (MBS)?
Good standard comprehensive assessment of swallow
Limitations:
Exposure to radiation
Snapshot view
What does Shaker et al (2011) say about the use of videofluroscopy?
Over 2 decades ago, investigations confirmed that an early video fluoroscopic examination should be performed as soon as the stroke patient is able to undergo the test, in order to determine the presence of aspiration.
It is particularly important to determine the risk of aspiration in stroke patients because some of these patients may aspirate without being aware of doing so, due to the loss of sensation and the inability to cough after a stroke.
The fact that a patient may be able to swallow contrast material or food without coughing does not mean that the patient does not aspirate.
Therefore, it is important to objectively document that there is no aspiration.
