Help For Complex Swallowing Disorders

Treatment for swallowing disorders depends on the cause of the problem, making it essential to get the correct diagnosis. Jessica Gregor, a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders in the Department of Otolaryngology at Mayo Clinic, says swallowing can become difficult for some people who suffer from trauma, certain medical conditions, and head and neck cancers.

Mayo Clinic in Arizona operates a multidisciplinary Swallowing Clinic that involves a group of specialists evaluating the patient at the same time and on the same day.

In order to determine the best treatment option, patients must undergo a comprehensive workup, which includes a speech pathologist a gastroenterologist, and ear, nose and throat specialist.

Jessica Gregor, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a board-certified swallowing specialist in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Arizona says:

"The best evaluation for really looking at the road map of the swallow is called video fluoroscopy. That's using X-ray and watching a live video of your swallow under X-ray. We look from lips to stomach. It's important for us as the team to have a very solid understanding of the swallowing impairment so that we can best intervene appropriately."

Advanced treatment options exist for disorders of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, including innovative endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical treatments.