[Relationship between dysphagia and neglect syndrome during rehabilitation]

Introduction: Dysphagia presents an important challenge in the rehabilitation of brain injured patients. Previously, research on the etiological factors of dysphagia has primarily focused on organic causes. However, factors, such as psychological and cognitive dysfunctions, may also play crucial role in dysphagia. Objective: Our study aims to investigate whether there is a relationship between neglect syndrome and dysphagia, moreover, to examine whether the duration and quality of speech therapy differ between dysphagic patients with neglect and those without neglect. Patients and methods: A prospective study was conducted in a rehabilitation unit specializing in brain injury patients between January 1, 2021 and May 1, 2022. During this period, 44 patients received dysphagia therapy. We formed a neglect dysphagia group (n = 8) and a functionally matched dysphagia group without neglect (n = 8). Data were collected through document analysis, followed by descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and correlation analysis. Results: In the neglect group, only preventive therapy could be applied, whereas in the matched control group, rehabilitative, compensatory, and preventive therapy methods were used. Spearman correlation analysis revealed trend-level association between initial functional status and the duration of speech therapy in the neglect group (p = 0.06). In the control dysphagia group, a significant correlation was found between the length of hospital stay and the duration of speech therapy (p<0.05). Discussion: Only half of the patients arrived with dysphagia diagnosis. A trend-level difference was observed in the duration of therapy between the two groups, and the neglect group required a distinct therapeutic approach. It can be concluded that the more severe cognitive status at admission in the neglect group may prolong the duration of speech therapy. In the control dysphagia group, hospital stay duration was associated with the severity of dysphagia. Conclusion: Neglect syndrome influences dysphagia therapy. Weaker cognitive status of neglect patients at admission lead to a longer treatment period. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(27): 1053–1059.