Dysphagia – Diagnosis and Treatment
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is the unsafe and/or inefficient movement of foods and/or liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
In our clinic we provide clinical swallowing evaluations. An instrumental assessment of swallowing (Modified Barium Swallow Study or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow) is necessary to properly identify disordered swallowing physiology in order to guide management and treatment. Our clinic uses outside providers for completing instrumental exams.
Swallow evaluation at our clinic
Before initiation of swallow treatment, each patient undergoes a comprehensive clinical swallow evaluation at our clinic.
- Cranial nerve assessment
- Cough testing
- Trials of different consistencies of food and liquids
- Patient and family education (risks of aspiration, diet modification, oral care procedures).
Andreas B.
Ganz, ganz tolle, kompetente, menschliche und sehr sympathische Therapeutin, mit der eine Zusammenarbeit auf Augenhöhe möglich ist!
R. Z.
Swallowing therapy at our clinic
The following technology and tools are available in our clinic to help patients strengthen weakened muscles in the mouth and throat; improve timing and coordination of the swallow; and enhance airway protection.
BiSSkiT (Biofeedback in Strength and Skill Training) is a training protocol and accompanying software program for rehabilitation of swallowing impairments. It is based on, and dependent on, surface electromyography (sEMG) as a hardware platform.
MDTP (McNeill Dysphagia Treatment) is a swallowing program that focuses of the progressive stengthening, development and refinement of the muscular components of the swallowing process. Positive outcomes from MDTP are seen in two to three weeks of intensive therapy.
Tongueometer aids in evaluating tongue and lip strength for swallowing function enabling the best treatment plans. The IOPI gauges the strength and endurance of the tongue by measuring the maximum amount of pressure that an individual can produce by pressing a tongue bulb against the roof of the mouth. The peak pressure generated by the tongue is then displayed on the unit’s display screen. Individuals with a swallowing disorder secondary to tongue and lip weakness may benefit from the IOPI.
EMST150™ is a device used for respiratory muscle training. Expiratory muscle strength is essential for optimal cough and swallow function. EMST150™ training system has shown significant improvements in swallow strength in patients diagnosed with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and spinal cord injury.
Why choose us?
- Individualized approach to patient’s care
- Intensive treatment
- Innovative and evidence-based treatment modalities
- Collaboration with other medical professionals (doctors, nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists)
About us
In our practice, we strive to provide effective solutions to swallowing and communication difficulties that affect your quality of life. Our goal is to provide personalized treatment that takes into account your needs and preferences and is based on current research findings relevant to your disease. We highly value and encourage family involvement in the treatment process.
Contact us
Our Address
Dr.-Martin-Luther-King-Weg 22
55122 Mainz
Tel: 0151 220 40 18 3
Email: info@intensivelogopaedie.de
Anna Glukova, hat mir mit meiner Stimme geholfen. Ich bin Saenger und habe Spannungen im Halsbereich gehabt was meine Stimmqualitaet sehr beintraechtigt hat. Anna hat mir spezifische Uebungen gegeben und nach wenigen Behandlungen war meine Stimme wieder perfekt.