Oropharyngeal Exam
The oropharyngeal exam is an examination at the pharyngeal or laryngeal stages of swallowing. This swallow study is useful in providing information about the safety of continuing oral feeding and/or to determine more specific techniques to manage the swallowing problem. Most obviously, if a person demonstrates coughing or choking during eating, further studies of the swallowing mechanism would be indicated. If inability to maintain nutrition or hydration by mouth has resulted in weight loss or compromised health, further studies may be warranted. If pulmonary health has suffered, imaging of the swallow may provide illumination. And if known problems exist, imaging may guide the development of strategies to improve swallow safety and efficiency.
This examination may also provide baseline information about swallowing functions, making it easier to track and compare a patient's swallowing ability over time. This exam is also the first step in providing critical information relevant to both the diagnostic and therapeutic processes. It thoroughly examines the sensory and motor aspects of the oral mechanism and helps determine the need and readiness for further evaluations. Clinical assessment of a patient should always be performed before any diagnostic swallowing procedure such as videofluoroscopy or FEES is administered.
This examination may also provide baseline information about swallowing functions, making it easier to track and compare a patient's swallowing ability over time. This exam is also the first step in providing critical information relevant to both the diagnostic and therapeutic processes. It thoroughly examines the sensory and motor aspects of the oral mechanism and helps determine the need and readiness for further evaluations. Clinical assessment of a patient should always be performed before any diagnostic swallowing procedure such as videofluoroscopy or FEES is administered.