ABSTRACT
This clinical case describes an individual who was placed nil by mouth after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) seven years earlier. Little research has examined the role of dysphagia rehabilitation in adults with chronic TBI. Clinicians subsequently lack clarity in terms of their role with this population. This case report challenges the belief that swallow recovery is not possible in people with chronic neurological conditions such as TBI. Despite the fact that this individual was significantly cognitively impaired, with more detailed assessment and rehabilitation, she was able to recover some swallow function and return to oral feeding. This improved her quality of life and gave her family much pleasure. Despite the chronic stage of her TBI, the oral feeding may also have benefited her swallow from a neuroplasticity perspective. The chapter includes perspectives from the person’s husband on the impact of dysphagia on the family.
