The relation between aspiration and oropharyngeal components of swallowing in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relation between aspiration and oral and pharyngeal components of swallowing in patients with ALS. 19 participants diagnosed with ALS followed in outpatient clinic at HC-Unicamp, the patients were underwent to a clinical swallowing evaluation (indirect and direct) and modified barium swallowing evaluation. Results: 63.2% of the participants showed aspiration. Oral escape in the interlabial region with no progression to the anterior lip, slow/weak movement during bolus transport and decreased the wave of the pharyngeal contraction were observed. And also, the results showed positive and moderate correlation between the presence of aspiration and pharyngeal wave pharyngeal function instead of oral phase.