Patient Information & Resources
These patient information handouts, videos, and additional resources are intended to help the patient and/or caregiver with specific information relating to your particular situation. Explanations of specific diseases causing dysphagia, the role of the Speech Pathologist, and even how to enjoy the holidays with dysphagia are included. The PDFs can be downloaded or printed off for your convenience and future reference.
Resources
Dysphagia Information Handouts
Why Speech Therapy?
This two page handout discusses why you might enroll in Speech Therapy and how it may help you. The first page lists typical diagnoses with the therapy options to help rehabilitate, and then explains the brief reason or benefit to speech therapy for that diagnosis.It then lays out the areas of speech therapy, what they mean, and examples of the disability that may lead to that need. This document is meant as an overview of typical speech therapy services for adults with medical diagnoses.
Parkinson’s And Dysphagia
This two page handout discusses whether or not you have dysphagia for sure if you have Parkinson’s Disease and how the Five Systems of Dysphagia are affected by this neurological issue. Understanding whether you should worry about having dysphagia, and what can be done as far as receiving a swallowing instrumentation and therapy, is discussed at length. The purpose of this document is to discuss what the possibilities are for rehabilitation and management of your dysphagia as your Parkinson’s progresses.
Pulmonary Disease and Dysphagia
This two page handout introduces the diagnoses with notable respiratory dysphagia complications to the reader. Sample Data from a patient sample with COPD is discussed, along with the fact that many patients with respiratory dysphagia also have reflux as a complication. Finally, the Dysphagia Systems Test (DST) utilizing FEES is explained.
Cervical Spine Surgery and Dysphagia
This two page handout introduces the patient who is scheduled for cervical spinal surgery or has just had cervical spinal surgery to the potential for dysphagia complications. An explanation of why you may need to be evaluated by a Speech Pathologist, and how this may be performed is laid out in a question and answer format. Page two delves into the question of dysphagia following surgery with an explanation of the Five Systems of Dysphagia and how they may be affected. Finally, an explanation of how the Speech Pathologist may help you to be safe during recovery is discussed.
Reflux Dysphagia
This two page handout begins by explaining what reflux dysphagia is and what are the risk factors. It continues to explain why the patient with reflux would be referred to a Speech Pathologist, including the fact that 50% of patients have reflux and don’t know it. The Reflux Symptom Index is included for self assessment, as is an explanation of how a swallowing instrumentation is performed. Finally what will happen now that you have been referred to the Speech Pathologist is discussed in a question and answer format.
Dysphagia Information Videos
Parkinson’s Dysphagia: ABC 7 Suncoast View – 5:15
Carol Winchester visits the Suncoast View set to discuss Parkinson’s Dysphagia and how a Speech Pathologist can help with their dysphagia symptoms.
What is Dysphagia – 6:01
This video explains how eating and swallowing is safely accomplished utilizing the five bodily systems; muscular, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory. When something goes wrong with one of the systems, dysphagia occurs.
DMS: How We Can Help – 0:46
This short video explains how the patient suffering from the effects of dysphagia can be helped with Speech Pathology intervention.
DMS: Request an Appointment – 0:59
This short video demonstrates how to request an appointment through the DMS website at DysphagiaManagement.com
The Cranial Nerves and Swallowing – 2:02
This video explains how the nervous system, the cranial nerves in particular, innervate the ability to swallow. Graphic demonstration of the different cranial nerves, and what part of the head and neck are controlled by them, is included to help the patient understand what they are experiencing.
Can I Eat That With Dysphagia? St Patrick’s Edition – 4:01
This video reviews St Patrick’s day favorites and techniques for the patient with dysphagia to join in and celebrate with a recommended altered diet and liquid consistency.
Can I Eat That With Dysphagia? Memorial Day Edition – 4:49
This video demonstrates how a patient with dysphagia can join in the festivities at a Memorial Day Celebration.
Can I Eat That With Dysphagia? Easter Edition – 4:11
This video celebrates the Easter favorites and demonstrates how the use of a fork can help the patient with dysphagia to stay safe and enjoy the celebration.
Can I Eat That With Dysphagia? Valentines Edition – 2:25
Valentine’s candy is an integral part of the celebration. This video shows the patient with dysphagia that candy can be enjoyed if you pick the right texture.
Can I Eat That With Dysphagia? New Year Edition – 0:24
Toasting the New Year with family and friends can be safe for the patient with dysphagia. This video provides instruction on how to include everyone in the celebration.
Can I Eat That With Dysphagia? Fourth of July Edition
Celebrating the Fourth of July should include everyone. This video demonstrates some tricks and techniques to enjoy the cook-out and Fourth of July favorites safely for the dysphagia patient.