Voice and Swallowing Disorders Flashcards
Definition of dysphasia
Deficiency in generation of speech or sometimes comprehension
Two types of dysphasia
Receptive
Expressive
What is dysarthria?
Difficult or unclear articulation of speech that is otherwise linguistically normal
Affects speech clarity i.e. slurred speech
Pathology of dysarthria
Damage to the nerve pathways to the muscles involved with speech
Definition of dysphagia
Swallowing problems
How is the risk of aspiration reduced in patients?
Promote safe, efficient swallowing
Investigations for dysphagia
Neurology assessment CNs Swallowing trials Videofluroscopy FEES Cervical auscultation
Treatment for dysphagia
Texture and fluid modification Positioning Postures and manoeuvres Modified feeding equipment Strengthening exercises
Definition of dysphonia
Difficulty in speaking due to a physical disorder of the mouth, tongue, throat or vocal cords
Causes of dysphonia
Vocal abuse / misuse (nodules/polyps) Professional voice users Spasmodic dysphonia Vocal fold paralysis Functional voice disorders / psychosocial factors
How do we manage speech?
Maximise function and range of movement (exercises)
Promote compensatory strategies (slow speech rate, decrease phase length)
Explore possible solutions e.g. decrease background noise
Improve intelligibility e.g. prosody, articulation, breath support for phonation
Provide ACC
- amplifiers
- lightwriters
- boardmaker
- alpha taker/chat box
Complications of laryngectomy
Candida (thrush)
PE segment spasms
What does the soft palate look like after radiotherapy?
Pale with blood vessels
What can reflux affect?
The laryngeal muscles
What is the main function of the laryngeal muscles?
To protect the airway
Does the gag reflex protect the airway?
No
Causes of a neurological swallowing disorder
Head injury Parkinsons Stroke MS MND Dementia
Presentation of oral dysphagia
Person difficulty chewing May begin to drool May 'pocket' food in the mouth and need encouragement to swallow it Effortful chewing is tiring Slow mealtimes
Where does oral dysphagia occur?
In the mouth
Where does pharyngeal dysphagia occur?
Throat
Presentation of pharyngeal dysphagia
Coughing/chocking during eating/drinking
Aspiration
What is silent aspiration?
When something is aspirated, however the patient has a lack of sensation and therefore does not reflexly cough
Complications of dysphagia
Recurrent pneumonia / chest infections
Loss of weight / malnutrition
Social withdrawal
