Lip function and eating after a stroke: a nursing perspective

The social and psychological effects of eating and drinking difficulties are often overlooked. The collection of food around the lips during meals is an example of a little discussed but embarrassing and unsightly problem commonly experienced after a stroke. In a group of 20 stroke patients, the incidence of this problem was significantly higher than that found in a group of medical patients of similar age and sex (P less than 0.001). It was a cause of some distress to patients. Analysis of the care given to this group of patients at mealtimes would suggest that there is scope for nurses to contribute more to the rehabilitation of patients' lip function after stroke. The efficacy of therapy has yet to be evaluated.