FAQ

A: Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can manifest in various ways. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties swallowing, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with these disorders. Here are some common indicators that may suggest the presence of a swallow disorder:

1. Drooling or oral leakage: Difficulty in controlling saliva, resulting in drooling or excessive oral secretions.
2. Coughing or choking during or after swallowing: Frequent coughing or choking, especially while eating or drinking, can indicate a disruption in the swallowing process.
3. Feeling of food getting stuck: Sensation that food or liquids are getting stuck in the throat or chest, leading to discomfort or a feeling of obstruction.
4. Regurgitation: Involuntary expulsion of swallowed material from the esophagus or stomach back into the mouth, often accompanied by a sour taste or heartburn.
5. Recurrent respiratory infections: Frequent bouts of pneumonia or respiratory infections, which may be caused by food or liquid entering the airway instead of going down the esophagus.
6. Weight loss or malnutrition: Difficulty in consuming enough food or liquids due to swallowing problems can result in unintended weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.
7. Change in voice quality: Hoarseness, gurgling sounds, or a wet vocal quality after swallowing may indicate aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway.
8. Pain or discomfort while swallowing: Swallowing disorders can sometimes cause pain or discomfort in the throat, chest, or upper abdomen during the act of swallowing.
9. Unexplained fatigue or reduced energy: Swallowing difficulties can be physically demanding, leading to fatigue or reduced energy levels due to the effort required to consume food or liquids.

A: Neurogenic communication disorders refer to conditions that affect a person's ability to communicate due to neurological damage or impairment. These disorders can arise from various causes, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, or other neurological conditions. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of neurogenic communication disorders:

1. Difficulty speaking or slurred speech: Individuals with neurogenic communication disorders may experience challenges in producing clear and intelligible speech. 
2. Language difficulties: Impairments in language skills can manifest as difficulties in understanding spoken or written language (receptive language) or expressing thoughts and ideas (expressive language). 
3. Changes in voice quality: Neurogenic communication disorders can lead to changes in voice quality, such as a hoarse, breathy, or strained voice. 
4. Difficulty with swallowing or dysphagia: Swallowing difficulties can accompany neurogenic communication disorders. 
5. Impaired cognition: Neurogenic communication disorders may be associated with cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, or organization. 
6. Changes in reading and writing abilities: Some individuals  may struggle to comprehend written text, have difficulties spelling or writing legibly, or find it challenging to express their thoughts in written form.
7. Social communication difficulties: Individuals may have difficulty maintaining conversations, understanding nonverbal cues, or appropriately expressing emotions, leading to challenges in social interactions.
8. Apraxia of speech or dysarthria: Apraxia of speech refers to difficulty coordinating the movements required for speech production, while dysarthria involves weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in speech. 
9. Aphasia: Aphasia can affect a person's ability to understand, speak, read, or write. Individuals with aphasia may struggle to find words, form sentences, or comprehend language.

A: If you or someone you know is experiencing signs or symptoms of neurogenic communication disorders, seeking help from a qualified professional is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and support. Speech language pathologists specialize in evaluating and treating communication disorders, including those of neurogenic origin. They are highly trained professionals who can provide individualized therapy and support tailored to each person's specific needs.