Clinical Swallowing Examination A clinical swallowing examination includes a review of your medical history, questions about your swallowing difficulty and symptoms and an evaluation of the muscle function in your mouth and throat. The examination assesses the quality and strength of your cough and voice, as well as your ability to swallow saliva.
You may be asked to drink water or try foods of different consistencies. This information, combined with your medical history and reported symptoms, assists the speech therapist in determining if futher, more detailed instrumental examination is needed.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (F.E.E.S) F.E.E.S involves inserting a flexible endoscope through the nose to observe the pharynx and larynx (voice box) during the consumption of foods and liquids of various consistencies.
Videofluoroscopy Videofluoroscopy, also known as a modified barium swallow study, is conducted in the radiology department. This examination focuses on the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat) and upper oesophagus (food pipe). Patients consume food and liquid mixed with barium powder, allowing a continuous X-ray to provide a real-time view of the swallowing process. This enables the radiologist and speech therapist to assess the swallowing mechanism and identify any issues.
