Forsyth Medical Center 
Stroke and Other Brain Injury
Swallowing Problems
| The swallow study shows whether fluid or food can be safely swallowed. |
 |
When there are swallowing problems that may cause aspiration of food or liquids, a physician may order a Swallow Study. This study involves a patient swallowing fluids of different consistencies and an image being viewed of the patient swallowing to see whether the fluid goes where it is supposed to or whether it goes down the windpipe.
Recommendations for the consistency of food for safe swallowing are made based on the results of this study. These studies are performed and interpreted by speech therapists on outpatients and inpatients at Forsyth Medical Center.
Swallowing Treatment
Physicians may prescribe speech therapy evaluation and treatment. Speech therapists provide:
- Oral Motor Exercise (OME)
- Deep Pharyhgeal Nerve Stimulation (DPNS)
- Vital Stim
- Safe swallow techniques
These services are available at all Forsyth Rehabilitation Center locations. For more information, call Martinat Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in Winston-Salem at (336) 718-6700, in Kernersville at (336) 996-7001, in Mocksville at (336) 751-8003 or in Mount Airy at (336) 719-6165.
To Schedule the Swallow Study
Swallow studies may be scheduled by calling (336) 718-5780 when a physician order has been obtained.
