Our Swallow Services

FEES

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) test is a procedure used to assess swallowing proficiency using a camera and light. The FEES can also show if there are certain foods or liquids you need to avoid, or if certain positions can help you swallow more safely. The FEES can also show if you are aspirating. Dysphagia can lead to food or fluid going into the airway or lungs (aspiration). This can lead to pneumonia and other problems.

During the procedure, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) views parts of your throat as you swallow different foods and liquids to determine the cause of swallow difficulties.    Recommendations are then made to determine safest diet and need for swallow therapy     

Some Conditions that might cause dysphagia are:

- Head and neck cancer

- Stroke

- Conditions that lead to decreased saliva (such as Sjogren’s syndrome)

- Parkinson’s disease or other neurologic conditions

- Muscular dystrophies

- Decreased swallow strength as a result of Covid 

- Generalized weakness from normal aging process


FEES being performed on a patient in a hospital based setting.

MBSS

Modified Barium Swallow

Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) is a fluoroscopic procedure designed to determine whether food or liquid is entering a person's lungs, also known as aspiration. It permits the medical team to observe the coordination of anatomical structures in the mouth and throat, as they are actively functioning when chewing, drinking and swallowing. It also identifies the reason for aspiration.

There are many benefits from MBS. It enables the speech pathologist and the physician to identify more clearly the reason or etiology of dysphagia, rule out aspiration and make decisions regarding management of the patient's swallowing disorder. The speech pathologist needs a specific etiology identified before swallowing treatment can be initiated. A treatment plan is developed for each patient specific to individual needs.

Offered at LMC every Friday & at MMC every Wednesday.