What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a disorder that may involve dysfunction of the oral, pharyngeal and/or oesophageal stages of the swallowing process. This may result from neurological, structural, physiological and/or functional impairments. It can affect eating and drinking, control of saliva, and coordination of breathing and swallowing.

What service is provided?

All clients will routinely undergo a clinical assessment of their swallow by a Speech Pathologist, at the Rehabilitation Campus (Grace McKellar Centre – North Geelong Community Rehabilitation Centre). Clinical assessment provides vital information about eating behaviour, language, cognition, oromotor function, and symptoms/signs of dysphagia. Further assessment (e.g. Videofluoroscopy) will be arranged if deemed necessary by the Speech Pathologist. Referral will be made to other allied health professionals (e.g. Dietitian) if required.

The clinic will have a strong emphasis on dysphagia rehabilitation rather than purely traditional methods of management such as diet texture modification and compensatory strategies.