Neurogenic Dysphagia in Brainstem Disorders and EMG Evaluation

Neurogenic dysphagia is a prevalent condition that may result in serious complications. Screening and follow up are critical for early diagnosis, prognosis and management which can mitigate its complications and be cost-saving. Several Neurophysiological methods are described to evaluate the Neurogenic Dysphagia including Single Bolus Analysis, Dysphagia Limit, Cricopharyngeal sphinter electromyogram (EMG), Continuous water swallowing with respiratory recording, Polygraphic recording for spontaneous swallows in awake and sleeping states. All techniques mentioned above were developed in our laboratory. Brain stem disorders are particularly important to investigate the presence of dysphagia due to its high incidence and also its severity. These swallowing methods presented and discussed in this review are reliable, cheap and easy applicable quantitative tests to detect and to follow up both subclinical and clinical dysphagia.