What is the prognosis of dysphagia?
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What is the prognosis of dysphagia?
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@hia-0 Stroke patients recover swallowing function gradually, and therapeutic interventions for dysphagia generally are successful. In a prospective investigation of 128 patients admitted because of acute stroke, a swallowing abnormality was detected in 51% on clinical examination and in 64% on videofluoroscopy at initial presentation. [28] At 6 months after stroke, 87% of patients had returned to their prestroke diet.
In conditions in which recovery is possible (eg, TBI, stroke), the normalization of swallowing may take from 3 weeks to approximately 6 months or longer. [29, 1] Many patients tolerate normal oral caloric intake 9 months after a stroke, while some may require partial or nonoral caloric supplementation. In patients who have sustained a stroke, continued swallowing dysfunction after 6 months is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
In static or progressive conditions (eg, neuromuscular disorders, postpolio syndrome), periodic evaluation of swallowing disorders is mandatory, especially with the onset of new symptoms, and the appropriate strategies (the use of nonoral feeding techniques or new compensatory mechanisms) should be considered.