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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:32
Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Dysphagia in multiple sclerosis: from pathogenesis to diagnosis.
Cristina Tassorelli1, Roberto Bergamaschi, Simona Buscone
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy. cristina.tassorelli@mondino.it
Summary
Swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Early evaluation and management are crucial to prevent complications like aspiration pneumonia in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) frequently causes swallowing abnormalities, particularly in severely disabled individuals.
- Dysphagia in MS often affects oral and pharyngeal swallowing phases, with some cases showing upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and impact of dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis.
- To emphasize the need for timely evaluation and management of swallowing disorders in MS patients to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
- To propose an integrated approach for assessing dysphagia severity and guiding therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of swallowing function in Multiple Sclerosis patients.
- Identification of specific swallowing phases affected by MS.
- Evaluation of upper esophageal sphincter function.
Main Results:
- Dysphagia is a common complication in Multiple Sclerosis, correlating with disability levels.
- Oral and pharyngeal swallowing phases are most frequently impaired.
- Upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction can also occur in MS-related dysphagia.
Conclusions:
- Effective evaluation and management of dysphagia are essential for Multiple Sclerosis patients.
- An integrated approach can help determine dysphagia severity and inform appropriate rehabilitation strategies.
- Preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia requires early recognition and intervention for swallowing difficulties in MS.
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