Case Study of Dysphagia and Aspiration Following a Brain Stem Stroke

Abstract

Dysphagia and aspiration are fairly common sequelae of stroke, particularly of the brain stem variety. The authors present an actual case study of a patient who developed dysphagia, aspiration, and feeding problems subsequent to experiencing a lateral medullary stroke. This article follows the patient along as his post-stroke swallowing status changed and various feeding decisions were made. The speech and language pathologist was fundamental in the making of these decisions while the rehabilitation team was instrumental in their implementation. Dysphagia in the brain stem stroke patient can take many months to years to resolve.