| Warning Signs of Swallowing Problems | Frequent throat clearing or coughing during or after drinking or eating | | Significant drooling or difficulty swallowing saliva | | Slurred speech secondary to muscle weakness of the mouth and throat | | Wet or gurgly voice during or after eating and drinking | | Feeling of food stuck in the mouth, throat or upper chest | | Pain with swallowing | | Food or liquid emerging from nose while eating or drinking | | Weight loss |
The Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice and Swallowing takes a scientific physiological approach to evaluation and treatment. Initial treatment is typically conservative, involving behavioral approaches. “We are able to retrain or strengthen the striated musculature of the vocal and upper aerodigestive tracts, using principles developed in areas of exercise physiology,” said Bonnie Martin-Harris, Ph.D., director and founder of the Evelyn Trammell Institute.
Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing, may be a consequence of weakness in the muscles of the lips, mouth, tongue, palate, pharynx and cervical esophagus, surgical ablation of tissue and decreased sensation of the oral and pharyngeal cavities leading to a delay in the stimulation of swallowing. Oral-pharyngeal dysphagia as a result of cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, oral-pharyngeal carcinoma or other degenerative neuromuscular diseases, can significantly delay patient recovery. The dysfunction can lead to malnutrition, dehydration and pulmonary complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Rehabilitative treatments for dysphagia have been developed during the past decade as a result of advancements in technology and research. Intervention for dysphagia can reduce oral-pharyngeal swallowing impairment and can also result in long-term improvement in swallowing through muscle retraining. Evaluation
Following a physician’s referral, specialists conduct a thorough swallowing evaluation using advanced analysis, then provide appropriate recommendations and treatment. The evaluation process is highly educational and interactive. This, along with recommendations from the specialist and physician, assists patients in making decisions for care based on their individual needs. A swallowing evaluation includes a review of a patient’s medical history and conditions that can contribute to swallowing problems. Modified barium and fiberoptic swallow studies are used to evaluate functioning of the muscles and structures of the mouth, throat and upper esophagus. Treatment
Speech-Language pathologists and swallowing therapists develop a management plan, coordinating efforts with other members of the team. The goal of the team is to restore patients to safe, effective swallowing to ensure good health and nutrition.  | Evelyn Trammell Institute provides comprehensive evaluation and treatments for complex swallowing disorders
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| Evaluation & Treatment Methods | Modified barium swallowing evaluations | | Fiberoptic video endoscopic evaluation of swallowing | | Digital biomechanical analysis | | Intraoral pressure recording | | Swallowing rehabilitation | | EMG biofeedback and muscle retraining | | Simultaneous nasal airflow recording (visual/auditory) | | Nutritional assessment and counseling | | Long-term support for dysphagia of unknown causes or secondary to oncologic or neurologic procedures to the head, neck, spine and chest |
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