[Children with encephalopathy : the ear, nose and throat perspective]

Children with encephalopathy are at increased risk of swallowing disorders with aspirations, food blockages, difficulties, and stress during meals. Serious consequences may result, such as recurrent lung infections and failure to thrive. The ENT or phoniatric examination includes the evaluation of food bolus management, possible drooling, and swallowing safety. This article explains the role of the ENT in the management of these children, with a description of the examinations to be carried out for a global evaluation of swallowing and aspirations and the treatments proposed for a better management of food intake by mouth and chronic drooling.