Get Well Clarkie!

TBI can result in dysphagia depending on the brain region involved. Dysphagia refers to difficulty in eating as a result of disruption in the swallowing process. Aaron had a videofluorographic swallowing study done today to evaluate his swallowing abnormalities. The study includes a swallowing test with barium-laced thin liquids. He was unable to swallow the liquids, but it did determine that his pharyngeal muscles are not operating properly. Swallowing is a complex act that involves the coordinated activity of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. The brainstem is thought to control the swallowing act. A swallow has four phases: oral preparatory, oral propulsive, pharyngeal, and esophageal. Aaron is having problems with the pharyngeal phase, which is involuntary and totally reflexive. The pharyngeal phase is of particular importance, because, without intact laryngeal protective mechanisms, aspiration is most likely to occur during this phase. An ENT doc will be consulted about this problem and we will post any new information as soon as we receive it.

- Tedi