Screening, diagnosis, and management of neurogenic dysphagia

Patients with dysphagia as a result of neurologic disease can be effectively evaluated and managed, particularly if the dysphagia is recognized before any medical complications such as aspiration pneumonia appear. Management can be cost-effective and efficient when assessment not only defines symptoms but their underlying anatomic or physiologic cause and treatment is designed to eradicate the abnormalities in structure or function. The specific nature of the oropharyngeal dysphagia may also point to the nature of the underlying neurologic damage or disease process. Involvement of a speech-language pathologist early in the neurogenic patient's dysphagia care can speed recovery and reduce cost.