More than 20% of individuals over the age of 50 experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Although dysphagia can occur at any age for a variety of reasons, age-related changes, neurological conditions, illness and injury can all affect the muscles involved in swallowing. When left untreated, swallowing difficulties can lead to significant health concerns including malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration (when food or liquid enters the lungs) and recurrent pneumonia.
Fortunately, patients in northcentral Montana have access to specialized swallowing evaluations close to home. Logan Health – Shelby offers Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS), an advanced diagnostic service available with a provider referral. The fluoroscopy equipment used to perform these studies helps patients receive comprehensive swallowing assessments without the need to travel long distances for care.
A Modified Barium Swallow Study is a specialized imaging procedure that identifies swallowing impairments and determine the safest and most effective recommendations for eating and drinking. During the exam, a certified radiology practitioner assistant (RPA) and a speech-language pathologist (SLP) work together to assess the mouth, throat and esophagus using fluoroscopic imaging. Patients are given various foods and liquids mixed with barium, which allows the swallowing process to be viewed in real time.
Following the evaluation, the care team reviews the results and provides individualized recommendations. Depending on the findings, patients may receive guidance on dietary modifications, safe swallowing strategies, therapeutic exercises or referrals for additional speech therapy services.
“We are fortunate to offer Modified Barium Swallow Studies locally so patients can access specialized swallowing evaluations without having to leave the area,” said speech-language pathologist Madilyne Arneson, MS, CF-SLP. “Early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference in a patient’s safety, nutrition and quality of life.”
Arneson provides speech-language pathology services for patients ages 16 and older in addition to pediatric speech and language services at Logan Health – Shelby and Logan Health – Conrad. Her areas of clinical practice include evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders, acquired speech and language disorders such as aphasia and dysarthria, cognitive-communication impairments, and speech and language delays or disorders in children.
She is also a SPEAK OUT!® Certified Provider, delivering specialized treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders. The SPEAK OUT!® program helps patients preserve and improve communication, voice and swallowing abilities through evidence-based speech therapy techniques.
Patients who are experiencing swallowing difficulties, changes in speech or voice, cognitive concerns following illness or injury, or speech and language challenges are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider about a referral for evaluation and treatment. Common symptoms of swallowing disorders may include coughing or choking while eating or drinking, food sticking in the throat, frequent throat clearing, unexplained weight loss or recurrent pneumonia.
For more information about speech-language pathology services or Modified Barium Swallow Studies, please contact the rehabilitation departments by calling Logan Health – Conrad at (406) 271-2222 or Logan Health – Shelby at (406) 434-3234.