Dysphagia Facts

Question 1

What happens to the swallow as you get older?

Answer 1

Everything gets slower

Question 2

Name the population that typically suffers from dysphasia

Hint: 6

Answer 2

CVA (stroke) 
Neuro/degenerative diseases
Trauma
Cardiac patients
Head and neck cancer patients 
Hospitalized patients

Question 3

Name the four steps to airway protection

Answer 3

1. Epiglottis flips over
2. Arytenoids move forward
3. False vocal folds close
4. True vocal folds close

Question 4

What is the purpose of a bedside swallow?

Answer 4

A screening to see if you need an actual assessment

Question 5

When do we NOT screen for swallow?

Answer 5

Patients aren’t alert
Patients deny swallowing exam
Patients can swallow saliva
Patients have feeding tubes

Question 6

During the oral facial exam which cranial nerves do you check? How should you check them?

Answer 6

V- bite down on back teeth, open mouth (symmetry?)
VII- facial symmetry, put lips together (lip seal)
X- speak quality, ask for cough, say ah (soft palate elevation)
XII- push tongue from side to side (tongue strength)

Question 7

Where is the swallowing center?

Answer 7

In the medullary reticular formation (in the brainstem)

Question 8

Where is swallowing trigger in the brainstem?

Answer 8

Medulla

Question 9

T/F: swallowing is a reflex

Answer 9

False!! Swallowing is a voluntary action

Question 10

What is it called when the soft palate is raised up and back to the posterior wall of the pharynx?

Answer 10

Velopharyngeal closure

Question 11

What is the main muscle associated with velopharyngeal closure?

Answer 11

Velopharynx