Consciousness Disorders and Swallowing Difficulties

With the advancement of medicine, the survival rate of patients with brain injuries has significantly increased. Among these patients, some remain in a chronic state of altered consciousness and experience difficulties in swallowing. Swallowing difficulties can lead to clinical issues such as aspiration and malnutrition. Since swallowing function is closely related to the level of consciousness, effective oral swallowing is an early sign of consciousness recovery. The relationship between swallowing difficulties and the prognosis and quality of life of patients with consciousness disorders is increasingly recognized by scholars. However, patients with consciousness disorders often find it difficult to cooperate with treatments for swallowing difficulties, resulting in a lack of effective treatment options for swallowing difficulties associated with altered consciousness. This article discusses the correlation between consciousness disorders and swallowing difficulties, the physiology of swallowing, the main issues faced by patients with consciousness disorders regarding swallowing difficulties. Specifically the lack of an effective oral swallowing phase, as well as the available assessment tools and treatment methods for swallowing difficulties in these patients.