Swallowing test post stroke

Many people who have had a stroke can find it difficult at first to swallow normally – they may cough or choke in the early days of their recovery. Difficulty with swallowing (or dysphagia) happens after a stroke because the brain doesn’t activate muscle reflexes at the back of the throat quickly enough, so that food or liquids pass down the throat into the larynx and/or lungs – in other words they can ‘go down the wrong way’. It can be frightening when swallowing doesn’t work automatically, but many things can be done to help, and most people recover their swallow in a couple of weeks.

Usually, people who have had a stroke are watched carefully as they swallow for the first time and will only be given a small sip of water to see what happens. Tests are carried out by a Speech and Language Therapist. If you have any questions regarding your safety of swallowing, please contact us for more information.