• Identify possible causes of the swallowing disorder
• Identify and treat (if possible) any underlying medical condition that may be causing or contributing to swallowing difficulties
• Maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the swallowing mechanism
• Identify the most appropriate means and mode of nutrition and hydration
• Minimise the risk of aspiration/choking

As well as thorough clinical assessment of swallowing, the Swallowing Disorders Clinic also offers the following investigations of the swallowing process:

An MBS is a moving x-ray evaluation of all phases of swallowing which is recorded on video. An MBS differs from a standard barium swallow/meal as it focuses on the mouth and throat aspect of the swallowing process and may involve trials of solid food and different fluid types (ie; thick and thin fluids). No fasting is required with a MBS. In addition to providing a comprehensive initial assessment of the swallowing mechanisms, it is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of compensatory strategies and therapeutic swallowing maneuvers, and to determine the most appropriate food and drink consistencies for the individual.

This provides evaluation of the oesophageal pressures and how the muscles of the oesophagus work.

This involves passing a flexible camera through the nose to view the throat and larynx (voice box). This allows inspection of the functions of the swallowing mechanism at the pharyngeal (throat) and laryngeal (voice box) levels involving 4 components;

• Assessment of function of critical structures within the pharynx (throat)
• Assessment of saliva management
• Direct assessment of swallowing function for food and liquid
• Response to therapeutic maneuvers and interventions to improve the swallow
  

No fasting of sedation is required for this technique. As with the MBS, the examination can be recorded on video for further analysis.

The Swallowing Disorders Clinic offers a service to any outpatient with swallowing difficulties. A waiting list may apply for initial assessment.

Referral to the Swallowing Disorders Clinic requires written request from a Doctor, which can be directd to the Speech Pathology Department at:

Swallowing Disorder Clinic
Repatriation General Hospital
Speech Pathology Department
Daws Road
DAW PARK SA 5041
Phone: 8275 1787
Fax referrals to: 8275 1951