Clinico-instrumental assessment of swallowing in head injury rehabilitation
Zanardi, L.; Munari, M.; Facco, E.
Minerva Anestesiologica 61(11): 463-470
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0375-9393 PMID: 8677037 Document Number: 454240
During the phase of clinical and neurological stability following head injury, the recommencement of oral nutrition indicates not only the recovery of normal physiological function but is also closely correlated to the overall rehabilitation process and therefore represents a complex source of valuable stimuli in the context of a therapeutic and rehabilitation programme of the cognitive functions themselves. Before any attempt of oral feeding it is important to make a full clinical and instrumental evaluation of the swallowing process in order to diagnose any dysphagic problems and to assess the correct feeding method for the patient so as to avoid the severe sequelae caused by the penetration of food into the air paths.