Clinical assessment and management of swallowing difficulties after stroke

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of swallowing disorders in patients with stroke referred for speech pathology, and to determine the outcome of therapeutic intervention based on presenting symptoms ascertained from clinical bedside assessment. The study was conducted over a 12-month period (1988) in a 191-bed acute-care hospital. Data on referral of patients with stroke to the Speech Pathology Department and frequency of swallowing disorders were analysed, and showed a referral rate of 61% for patients with stroke, with a 54% prevalence of swallowing disorders among referred patients. On discharge, 75.5% of patients who had exhibited swallowing disorders were on full oral diets.