ABSTRACT
The true incidence of dysphagia in the general population remains unknown to date. The incidence has been described in select patient populations, and its prevalence in the general population can be inferred to be significant. A review of nursing home residents demonstrated that 30% to 40% have clinical evidence of dysphagia. Another well-studied population is those suffering stroke. Studies have shown that 30% to 40% of stroke patients will demonstrate symptoms of severe dysphagia, and as many as 20% will die from aspiration pneumonia in the first year (1). Given the number of new cerebrovascular events yearly, this is a significant number.
