[Dysphagia] Request for Suggestions

[kcopeland at sjmc.org (Copeland, Karen)]

Dear Listserv,

A colleague of mine is working with a lady who suffered a C-spine
fracture of the lamina at C1-C2, and also C7 in a fall from bed.  She is
now nearly 4 mos. post injury.  She was placed in a halo orthosis on
01/20/07.  Subsequently she has demonstrated significant pharyngeal
retention and aspiration after the swallow on two recent MBSS. A PEG has
been placed and she is currently NPO. She has now been admitted to our
inpatient rehab program.

We are interested in any suggestions for facilitating improved
swallowing function for this lady.  Could anyone comment on potential
benefit from NMES at this point?  Right now she's working on pharyngeal
strengthening with Masako swallow and is being taught the Mendelsohn
Maneuver.  The goal is at least for her to tolerate limited intake for
comfort purposes by the time she leaves rehab in a few weeks.  The halo
won't come off for several months.

Thanks for your insights.

Karen Copeland
Therapy Coordinator
Bernsen Rehab/St. John Medical Center
Tulsa, OK
918.744.2291
kcopeland at sjmc.org
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"No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place." ~Zen saying


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