Dysphagia physical examination

Dysphagia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Dysphagia from other Conditions
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
Barium Swallow
Endoscopy
CT
MRI
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Dysphagia physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Dysphagia physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Dysphagia physical examination
CDC on Dysphagia physical examination
Dysphagia physical examination in the news
Blogs on Dysphagia physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Dysphagia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Dysphagia physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2]

Overview

A speech language pathologist is most often the first person called upon to evaluate a patient with suspected dysphagia. During this informal examination, medical history is obtained, the mini-mental state examination is administered, and oral and facial sensorimotor function, speech, and swallowing are evaluated non-instrumentally.

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with dysphagia is dependent on the underlying cause. Please click the specified disease below to see the full physical exam.

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients with dysphagia usually appear in discomfort.

Vital Signs

• Normal

Skin

• Skin examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

HEENT

• HEENT examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

Neck

• Neck examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal, but may presents with masses or swelling of the neck depending on the underlying cause.
  • Laryngeal Cancer
  • Thyroid goiters
  • Esophageal cancers

Lungs

• Pulmonary examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

Heart

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

Abdomen

Abdominal examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

Back

• Back examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

Genitourinary

• Genitourinary examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.

Neuromuscular

• Neuromuscular examination of patients with dysphagia is usually dependent on the underlying disease.
  • Stroke
  • Neuromuscular disorders

Extremities

• Extremities examination of patients with dysphagia is usually normal.