[Dysphagia] On Jonathan's Question #2

[andreamoll at sbcglobal.net (Andrea Tobochnik)]

"Are we to say, "I'm finding deficits suggesting damage  to cranial 
nerve ___ which I believe is affecting his swallowing.   This is 
something you may need to look into," or "I believe 'this'  medicine is 
the patients problem...maybe you should consider changing  it."  Will 
the doctors not think of this as stepping on their  territory?  Or, do 
SLP's really have a position in dysphagian  treatment at all?  Should 
this just be left to the MD's? "

I have found that most doctors appreciate our ideas on the cause of the 
dysphagia.   We have a greater understanding of dysphagia than many 
doctors, we spend more time with the patient getting information on 
history and symptoms, we gain knowledge from the clinical and/or 
instrumental exam, and based on all that we really do have a lot to 
contribute.  In my written report and conversation with the doctor, I 
find it is best to "suggest" that the doctor consider such and such, 
rather than "telling" him/her what to do.

Andrea Tobochnik, MS, CCC-SLP
Kalamazoo, MI