Each Clinical Swallow Evaluation includes: 

• Extensive review of medical/clinical records to determine potential impact of medications and treatment of other medical diagnoses on swallow function

• Evaluation of the impact of cognitive and/or behavioral skills on safety and functionality of swallowing

• Structural and functional assessment of muscles and structures used in swallowing, which may include:

  • Oral peripheral mechanism examination

  • Cranial nerve examination

  • Analysis of head–neck control, posture, oral reflexes, and involuntary movements

  • Assessment of respiratory status, cough, and throat clearing abilities

• Non-instrumental assessment of the swallow with various foods and liquids

• Recommendations for swallow intervention and support, as necessary

• Recommendations for optimizing safe and efficient intake of food and liquid

• Determination of need for further instrumental assessment to examine the impact of swallowing anatomy and physiology

  • Specification of diagnostic questions to be answered by instrumental evaluations

• Identification of need for referrals to other services or professionals to support optimal swallow and feeding outcomes

• Counseling, education, and training to the client, health care providers, and caregivers

• Detailed written evaluation outlining findings and recommendations

Clinical Swallow Evaluations are 50 minutes in length. Clinical Swallow Evaluations are best completed in-person, but can be modified to telehealth if absolutely necessary.

Note: This evaluation does not include instrumental assessment (e.g. MBSS or FEES).