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Referrals are indicated for:
"Tongue-Thrust Pattern"
when the tongue pushes against the teeth for swallowing, speech, and dental problems can occur.
Developmental Delay
Neurological Involvement
Structural Differences
when the size or shape of oral, facial or throat structures affect swallowing. Injury or surgery
(such as for cancer) can change structures which are needed for swallowing.
Adults
- problems may result from stroke, illness, surgery or injury
Children
- problems may result from premature birth, brain injury or prolonged tube feeding
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Services:
Evaluation
- Medical history
- Oral examination
- Observation of swallows of various textures / consistencies
- Other testing as needed to rule out complicating conditions
Videofluoroscopic swallow study or fiberoptic
endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES study)
can be obtained at your local hospital.
Recommendations
- Speech therapy / home program
- Medical and/or dental evaluation / intervention
- Monitor sleep, breathing, eating patterns
- Monitor with nasometry
Therapy
- Specific objective goals
- Individualized exercises to increase muscle range, force and/or endurance
- Exercises to increase sensation
- Reduce hyperactive gag response
- Reduce / eliminate mouth-breathing
- Improve the ability to form and control the food bolus
- Establish new muscle patterns
Communication / coordination
Diagnosis and treatment may include any or all of the above.
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