Who Can Benefit
For pediatric and adult patients who are experiencing difficulties swallowing, Citrus Valley Centers for Rehabilitation Services offers a Dysphagia program planned and implemented by Masters level Speech Pathologists.

How We Can Help

• Videofluoroscopy Swallow Studies/Modified Barium Swallow Studies: This is a radiographic/X-ray evaluation of the anatomy and physiology of the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal musculature utilized to determine the cause of swallowing difficulty during the swallowing process.
• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): This is a comprehensive evaluation of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. A Speech Pathologist passes a flexible laryngoscope that permits evaluation of the swallowing mechanisms and functions.
• Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation used in the Facial Muscle Exercise Program
• DPNS: Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation
• Therapeutic oral motor and pharyngeal exercise program
• Modification of diet textures and liquid consistencies

Therapy

• Therapeutic compensatory strategy instruction
• Ongoing patient, family and caregiver education
• Comprehensive clinical evaluation
• Referrals to specialists may include Nutritional Counseling, Otolaryngology, Gastroenterology, Radiology, Neurology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy

Types of Patients Referred

• CVA/Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Huntington’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Age related changes
• Acute Inflammations (due to fungus, bacteria or viruses, chemical irritants or traumatic insults)
• Post surgery for head/neck cancer