The SLP Role in the Rehab of COVID19

This truly is not that new, it is actually what we do!

The COVID19 virus moves down the respiratory tract, through the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. The lower airway has more ACE2 receptors than the rest of the respiratory tract, therefore COVID-19 is more likely to go deeper than more common viruses like the common cold. Speech-language pathologists who work with people with dysphagia need to be ready! We are entering a new era and increased area specialty of iatrogenic dysphagia. This is difficulty swallowing caused by a medical treatment or treatments, such as prolonged intubation and/or traumatic intubation.

During your visit with DiagnosTEX you were possibly recommended a modified diet due to dysphagia. This educational sheet may help you understand the various consistencies that were recommended to help you prepare your meals and beverages correctly.

Not all consistencies are safe on a dysphagia diet, please clarify with the treating SLP for recommended consistencies

Dysphagia occurs more frequently in advanced stages of MS, although it can occur at any time during the disease course. Its real prevalence can be estimated to be around 30%–40%. Dysphagia is life-threatening if not managed properly. In fact, its complications such as dehydration and aspiration pneumonia are a common cause of death and morbidity […]

    Consultants in Dysphagia Evaluation and Management 817-514-MBS1 or 1-888-514-MBS1 www.dysphagiadiagnostex.com Created by : Ronda Polansky M.S. CCC-SLP   Oral Motor Management An examination of the patients anatomy is done during an Bedside Swallow Eval (BSE) This usually begins with lip seal and tongue movement Of importance is evaluation of oromandibular movement during mastication, […]

    Consultants in Dysphagia Evaluation and Management Phone: 817-514-MBS1 or 1-888-514-MBS1 Fax: 817-514-MBS8 or 1-877-514-MBS8 Speech Pathologist Reference Sheet By: Ronda Polansky M.S. CCC-SLP     STRATEGIES in Head and Neck Cancer For those patients who have undergone surgical resection or organ preservation protocols for head and neck cancer and who are unable to […]

It is very important to understand WHY the dysphagia is occurring before initiating treatment for it. Velopharyngeal insufficiency raise and lower velum during the production of  /a/ to produce nasal and oral contrasts, as in /ng-a, ng-a/ Pretend to be “stopped up” and then gradually eliminate denasality to more oral resonance Raise the velum mechanically […]

Strategy Why? How to do What it does Head Back Poor oral control Must have normal pharyngeal phase Tilt head back during swallow Uses gravity, duration of UES relaxation decreases with increased head extension Chin Tuck Premature loss Reduced airway closure Touching chin to chest before & during swallow widens valleculae narrows airway Pushes tongue […]

Tracheotomy – Between 43-80% of the patients with tracheotomy tubes will manifest signs of aspiration or aspiration pneumonia. Dysphagia is produced by physiological changes associated with opening the trachea to atmospheric pressure, not merely the presence of the tube in the neck ( Murray, T, Carrau, R, 2006) Physiciologic changes following a Tracheotomy Loss or […]

Oral Motor Function  The following exercises should be performed 10 times each 2-3 times a day. Lips – reduced lip sensation, strength, and ROM may result in drooling, lip biting and pocketing, as well as anterior loss. Assess labial musculature by pressing lips tightly around a tongue depressor as the SLP tries to remove it […]

Cranial Nerves CN 5 – Trigeminal – sensation of face/ motor of palate and pharynx Primary interest to SLP’s are Maxillary and mandibular branches 1. Test with a wisp of cotton gently to the nostrils which should resulting the wrinkling of the nose 2. Bulk of masseter and temporalis muscle is tested by palpation of […]

Therapy Techniques for some of the swallow dysfunctions seen on the MBSS Improve Oral Sensory Awareness – Premature spillage can be a direct result of reduced oral sensation Increase downward pressure of the spoon against the tongue when presenting food in the mouth Presenting sour bolus Presenting cold bolus Presenting bolus requiring chewing Presenting a […]