If you or a loved one are having difficulty communicating with others,
eating, or completing other daily tasks, we can help. Speech-language
pathologists are trained in identifying and treating communication, cognitive,
and swallowing disorders; our goal is to design a program for each patient’s
individual needs. Whether our patients are looking to improve how they
speak, how they chew and swallow, or how they understand and interact
within their community, we have amazing treatment plans and experts available for you.
For your convenience we provide speech, language and swallowing therapy
services at all of our community clinic locations. If you have the slightest
concern in one or more of these areas, call us today at 970.384.7550 to
schedule your appointment. Let’s see how we can help you.
Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
A modified barium swallow study is a radiographic procedure that provides
a direct, dynamic view of oral, pharyngeal, and upper esophageal function.
It is performed in the Imaging Center at Valley View Hospital by a Radiologist
and a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Patients are provided with various
consistencies of food and liquid mixed with barium, which allows the food
or liquid consistency to be visualized on an x-ray before, during, and
after the swallow.
People who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can benefit from this
evaluation as the exact anatomical reason for the swallowing difficulty
can be imaged in real time. A MBSS is not always necessary for someone
who has dysphagia, but it can provide important information that will
help the SLP develop a plan of care intended to enhance enjoyment during
mealtimes and improve the patient’s overall sense of dignity and
quality of life.
A MBSS may be ordered for you by your physician if you have:
Coughing and/or choking while eating or drinking
Wet or gurgly vocal quality during or after eating or drinking
Difficulty coordinating breathing and swallowing
Extra effort or time needed to chew or swallow
Frequent respiratory infections and/or known or suspected aspiration pneumonia
Significant weight loss and/or dehydration due to difficulty swallowing
Neurologic disorders that often affect swallowing (Parkinson’s disease,
Stroke, TBI, ALS, etc.)
After the Study:
The Speech-Language Pathologist may recommend swallowing treatments (e.g.,
exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination), positions/strategies
to help swallow more effectively, and/or food and liquid textures that
are easier and safer to swallow.
