Non-standardized vs. Standardized Screening for Dysphagia

Utility of Non-standardized Clinical Swallow Evaluation vs. Standardized Swallow Evaluation to Identify the Presence of Dysphagia and Risk for Aspiration in Patients Post-ischemic Stroke in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study is to compare two different screening tests for detecting dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) as well as the risk for aspiration (silent swallowing of liquids/solids into the lungs) in patients after an ischemic stroke (when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ≥ 18 years old
• Patients admitted to Lynn Rehabilitation Center with an admitting diagnosis consistent with acute ischemic stroke within the past 1 month
• Patients able to provide informed, written consent. If patients are not cognitively able to give informed consent, then consent will be obtained from patient proxy in person or over the phone
• Able to read and comprehend verbal instruction in English and/or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults > 80 years old
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners
• Those with a prior history of dysphagia
• Those with any diagnoses that include acute intracranial hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury