Objective: To describe the videofluoroscopic findings of quadriplegic patients with dysphagia and to assess the predisposing factors of dysphagia in quadriplegic patients.
Method: Six quadriplegic patients with a dysphagia within 3 months from the injury were included in this study and videofluoroscopic evaluations for both lateral and AP views were performed and evaluated.
Result: A variety of swallowing deficits that involve both oral and pharyngeal phases were detected in the videofluoroscopic study.
The presumed predisposing factors of dysphagia were a surgical stabilization of cervial vertebrae, inadequate neck extension due to cervical orthosis, history of mechanical ventilation, cervical traction, tracheostomy state and cranial nerve injury.
Conclusion: When there are symptoms that suggest a swallowing problem such as a frequent reflex coughing and voice change in quadriplegic patients, videofluoroscopic study will help to prevent the pulmonary complications and to determine the successful swallowing strategies.
