patients without swallowing problem

patients with mild swallowing problem

patients with severe swallowing problem

DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) that was questionnare and Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) were used for assess swallowing problem. All individuals were classified according to DYMUS. The DYMUS Score was 1 or 2 was taken as mild swallowing problems, 3 or more was taken as severe swallowing problems. Patients were divided into three groups; first group that include patients without swallowing problems, second group that include patients with mild swallowing problems, third group that include severe swallowing problems.

MyotonPro® device was used to measure muscles' viscoelastic parameters. The device is valid and reliable for measuring viscoelastic parameters (5, 6). Tonus, stiffness, elasticity of the muscles were recorded. Three measurements were bilaterally taken for each muscle. For each muscle, the average values of stiffness, tone and elasticity were retained as the main MyotonPRO outcomes. Myotonometric measurements were carried out for Masseter, Orbicularis Oris and Sternocleidomastoid (SKM) in supine position.

Eating Assessment Tool was used to assess symptom of dysphagia. EAT-10 consisted of ten items, each of items was scored from 0 to 4. As the score increases, the patient's symptoms become deterioration.