ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the indications and procedures for use of the following instrumental techniques to study swallowing: videofluoroscopy, fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing safety, cervical auscultation, pulse oximetry, scintigraphy, electromyography and surface electromyography, ultrasound imaging and manometry. Adverse reactions include discomfort; bleeding of the nasal mucosa; allergic reaction to the nasal anaesthetic spray and compromised afferent input to the swallow mechanism; laryngospasm, or a vasovagal response. Client to perform various speech, non-speech and swallowing tasks permits the assessment of the anatomy and physiology of the velum, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. Swallowing is assessed by presenting food and fluid dyed with green food colouring. Cervical auscultation is a non-invasive method of evaluating the pharyngeal swallow, and can be used to aid the accuracy of the clinical dysphagia examination. Electromyography is the method of recording electrical activity of a muscle or a group of muscles during behaviours such as swallowing.
