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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
08:32

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models

Published on: March 1, 2015

Dysphagia in childhood traumatic brain injury: a reflection on the evidence and its implications for practice

Angela T Morgan1

  • 1Healthy Development Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. angela.morgan@mcri.edu.au

Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|May 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently experience dysphagia, impacting nutrition and increasing aspiration risks. Early screening and delayed feeding interventions are recommended based on preliminary evidence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

  • Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are susceptible to swallowing impairments (dysphagia).
  • Dysphagia can lead to critical issues like malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia.
  • Understanding the epidemiology, assessment, and prognosis of dysphagia in pediatric TBI is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the existing evidence on the clinical management of dysphagia in children with TBI.
  • To analyze data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of dysphagia in this population.
  • To inform clinical practice based on current empirical data.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature review was performed focusing on dysphagia in pediatric TBI.
  • Studies were included only if they contained empirical data and focused on individuals under 18 years.
  • Non-data-driven studies and studies with adult populations were excluded.

Main Results:

  • The available data on pediatric TBI-related dysphagia is limited, with only nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
  • Acute dysphagia affects a high percentage (68-76%) of children with severe TBI.
  • Risk factors for dysphagia include severe TBI (GCS ≤ 8) and prolonged ventilation (>1.5 days) after motor vehicle accidents. Dysphagia resolution typically occurs within 12 weeks for cortical injuries.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary findings suggest implementing routine swallowing screenings for at-risk children with TBI.
  • Early identification and management of dysphagia are vital, despite current gaps in systematic referral processes.
  • A positive prognosis for cortical injury cases indicates delaying long-term feeding interventions like gastrostomy for at least 3 months.
Abstract

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