CHOICE

Speech disorders and difficulty safely swallowing can be associated with multiple diseases from dementia to residual effects of a neurological event. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Speech Pathologist, Nastasja Bosserman, M.S., SLP-CCC about her experiences. Here are her responses to our questions:

Question:  What are the most true signs and/or symptoms that a patient or caregiver will identify when someone is having difficulty with swallowing and should be evaluated by a speed pathologist?  

Bosserman: This depends on the stage of the swallow.  Somethings would be difficulty chewing, drooling (possibly due to weakness, decreased coordination), coughing, choking, feeling like food is stuck in your throat recurring (aspiration) pneumonia.

Question:  What are the steps and stages to being diagnosed? 

Bosserman: Steps to a diagnosis would be getting a referral to a speech language pathologist from your physician for testing.  There are two instrumental tests typically used; FEEs (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) which is where a flexible tube with a camera at the end and they view the swallow from there.  The other one is a MBSS/MoBaS (modified barium swallow study) this one has a radiology technician and a speech pathologist to complete.  

Question: What are some treatment options?

Bosserman: Treatments are based on dysphagia and etiology. There are a variety of strengthening exercises to increase coordination, strategies to allow safer swallow.  There is also NMES (neuromuscular electro stimulation) performed by a certified professional. 

Question: What are the most common events or diseases that lead to need for speech therapy?

Bosserman: Instant onset disease include stroke and traumatic brain injury. Slow onset disease include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsons, ALS and MS. 

Question:  As a speech pathologist what do you wish people knew about your career?

Bosserman: There are a lot of things I wish older patients knew about speech pathology.  The main one is I don’t just teach children to talk. I don’t change diets because I hate my patients, I do it because I want them to be safe. If you want a diet upgrade you have to put in the effort.  

A special thanks to Nastasja Bosserman, M.S., SLP-CCC, for sharing her knowledge with ECR. Our hope is that this provided helpful information, please speak to your healthcare provider for specific questions regarding your health.