[Neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia is a frequent condition in patients admitted to the ICU]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2015 Mar 2;177(10):V10140528.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (NOD) is a frequent condition in neurological patients admitted to the ICU, particularly in patients with brainstem lesions. The CNS damage itself can predispose to dysphagia, but also the treatment and preventive measures may predispose to and exacerbate the condition. Frequent pneumonia in a neurological patient is a warning signal that should cause screening for dysphagia. Complications are serious and can be fatal. Neurological patients should be examined for NOD before decannulation. Treatment is difficult, so prevention and multidisciplinary neurological rehabilitation is important.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Pathways
  • Deglutition Disorders* / complications
  • Deglutition Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Deglutition Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / therapy
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Fiber Optic Technology / methods
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Risk Factors