Document Type : Original Article(s)
Authors
1
Speech Therapist, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan
2
Faculty Member Department, of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan
3
Professor, Department of Neurology, Al-zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan
4
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, School of Medical, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan
Abstract
Background:
Swallowing disorders are commonly observed in more than one-third of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, dysphagia in multiple sclerosis usually receives limited attention. The purpose of this study was to identify associated factors with different kinds of swallowing disorders in these patients.
Methods:
Swallowing function of 101 consecutive multiple sclerosis patients evaluated by the “Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet” and “Clinical Oropharyngeal Examination”, clinically. “Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet” could have identified patients with pharyngeal stage disorders, aspiration, oral stage disorders, and/or pharyngeal delay. Then possible associations between these disorders and age, age at onset of disease, disease duration and neurological disability were studied.
Findings:
Oral stage disorders related to disease duration (P = 0.001) and neurological disability as measured by EDSS scores (P < 0.001). Moreover, the prevalence of pharyngeal delay rose with increasing disease duration, significantly (P = 0.004). But the significant associations were not observed between swallowing disorders and age, and age at onset of disease.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study emphasized the importance of assessment and management of swallowing function in multiple sclerosis patients, especially in patients with a high EDSS score and long disease duration.
Key words: Multiple Sclerosis, Swallowing Disorders, Dysphagia.
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