Videofluoroscopy in the rehabilitation of swallowing dysfunction

Videofluoroscopy and cineradiography have been used for decades to examine the gastro-intestinal tract and specifically the oropharynx. Recently, videofluoroscopy has been described as being useful for identifying the cause of aspiration. This paper describes how videofluoroscopy may be used for treatment planning in rehabilitation. This unique application of videofluoroscopy is the product of efforts on the part of the author and her colleagues at The Good Samaritan Hospital-Johns Hopkins Swallowing Rehabilitation Program, which was launched in 1980. The rationale for using videofluoroscopy for rehabilitation, the implementation of videofluoroscopy for rehabilitation, and indications for using specific rehabilitation techniques during videofluoroscopy will be discussed.