Dysphagia

A complex, potentially life-threatening swallowing disorder in which transport of solid or liquid food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach is impaired. It is common in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's, ALS), after stroke, or following head and neck surgery. Dysphagia therapy includes clinical and instrumental assessment, texture modification, compensatory swallowing techniques, and restorative manoeuvres to protect against aspiration and malnutrition.