As practitioners, we are always looking for ways to enhance our skills and provide better care for our patients. The research article "Swallowing After Right Hemisphere Stroke: Oral versus Pharyngeal Deficits" by Theurer et al. (2008) offers valuable insights that can help us understand and address swallowing deficits following a right hemisphere stroke.
According to the study, patients with right hemisphere stroke exhibit both oral and pharyngeal phase swallowing deficits. However, the majority of patients showed relatively greater oral phase impairment. This finding is crucial as it suggests that our assessments and interventions should emphasize both oral and pharyngeal phases, with particular attention to the oral phase.
Key Findings and Practical Implications
- Oral Phase Deficits: The study found that the most common oral phase deficits include oral residue, impaired tongue-to-palate/posterior pharyngeal wall contact, impaired tongue stripping wave, and impaired tongue propulsive action. Practitioners should focus on exercises and interventions that improve tongue strength, coordination, and range of motion.
- Pharyngeal Phase Deficits: While pharyngeal phase deficits were also present, they were highly variable across individuals. The most common pharyngeal deficits included vallecular residue, reduced closure of the laryngeal vestibule, posterior pharyngeal wall residue, and pyriform sinus residue. This variability highlights the need for personalized assessments and targeted interventions based on individual patient needs.
- Importance of Instrumental Techniques: The study emphasizes the use of instrumental techniques such as videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) to gain valuable insights into swallowing pathophysiology. Practitioners should consider incorporating these techniques into their practice to provide more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings of this study also highlight the need for further research to better understand the relationship between lesion sites and swallowing dysfunction. By conducting more studies with larger sample sizes, we can gain a clearer picture of the specific swallowing deficits associated with different types of strokes. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in or conducting studies to contribute to this growing body of knowledge.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Swallowing After Right Hemisphere Stroke: Oral versus Pharyngeal Deficits
