Introduction
  Evaluation
  Short of breath
  Too tired
  The dwindles
  Weight loss
  Healing
  Chemotherapy
  Mom to be
  Very sociable
 
   Thanks To
   Quiz
 
 
 
 Mark W. Braun, MD
 braunm@indiana.edu

 
   Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care

 

 
 

Speech therapists do the swallowing studies and devise treatment plans in most hospitals.
 
  • After observing Mr. Robinson attempt to swallow a small amount of water, the speech therapist feels a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS)  is needed.
  • The VFSS consists of real-time flouroscopic observation of the patient as he swallows a pasty glob of barium.
  • In the case of Mr. Robinson, the study is decidedly abnormal.

 

Normal VFSS for comparison

Mr. Robinson's VFSS


So, Mr. Robinson would appear to be under-nourished for two reasons:

  • First, because of his Parkinson's disease, he has difficulty swallowing.

  • Second, he's depressed, and with good reason, and as a consequence is not eating.

What do we do now?

 
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