Swallowing difficulties should be assessed and regularly reviewed by a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists work with dietitians to provide advice concerning food and fluid consistency, modification of diet and the option of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) (MND Australia 2017).
The goal of managing swallowing difficulties is to reduce the risk of choking and aspiration and help maintain optimal levels of nutrition and hydration.
Miller and others 2009a
Videofluoroscopic evaluation of the swallowing mechanism may identify food textures that can be handled successfully. However, it is not a required test to establish the presence or absence of dysphagia.