Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Acute Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background:: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different kinds of swallowing disorder and it’s severity in patients after stroke. Patients and Methods:: In this cross sectional study, 91 consecutive stroke patients were screened by the Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet (NDPCS) and the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). Results:: Forty seven percent of those assessed demonstrated signs of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Mild dysphagia was seen in (10.98%) patients, moderate dysphagia was present in 14.28% and 22% patients had severe dysphagia. Conclusions:: Dysphagia is common after acute stroke and its presence can have serious consequences. These results emphasize the importance of assessment and management of swallowing function in stroke patients.