​workshop.

ABSTRACT.

This intermediate-advanced 2-day workshop takes a physiological and evidence-based approach to videofluoroscopic assessments of oropharyngeal swallowing as a tool for understanding the nature of a patient’s dysphagia and for intervention planning.  Synthesis of the literature on swallowing physiology suggests that the swallow can be broken down into three primary functional components:  oral bolus control and transport (tongue); airway protection (respiration, hyoid and larynx); pharyngeal transport and clearance (tongue, hyoid and upper esophageal sphincter). For each of these, recent literature suggests specific interventions when impairment is identified. In this workshop, each functional component will be reviewed.  We will discuss what the literature tells us about function of each component in normal versus disordered swallowing.  Practical exercises will enable participants to rate videofluoroscopies showing different degrees of impairment for each functional component.  We will then discuss evidence-based approaches to intervention that are indicated for each type of impairment, and identify expected responses to these interventions. Examples and case scenarios will primarily feature adults with acquired neurogenic dysphagia.