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Specialized Programs:
Dysphagia - Swallowing Disorders
Lee Silverman Voice Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
The Speech Therapy department at Hoag Hospital uses a comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders - including those caused by stroke, progressive neurological disorders, head and neck injuries, laryngectomy and weakness or damage to the muscles and nerves used for swallowing. Symptoms may include:
- Aspiration of solid food or liquids
- Choking
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
Initial assessment may include a Modified Barium Swallow Test, which is a video fluoroscopic X-ray assessment of the swallowing mechanism. This exam enables the clinicians to identify the disorder and helps to determine the appropriate exercise program in speech therapy.
The goal of the program is to keep patients eating by mouth or to return them to eating by mouth whenever possible. Treatment may include:
- Recommendations for optimal swallowing safety, position while eating and feeding techniques
- Exercises for strengthening the swallowing mechanism
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
- Family and caregiver training
A physician referral is required for the Modified Barium Swallow Test and for speech therapy.
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Lee Silverman Voice Treatment¨ (LSVT) is a proven, effective speech treatment program that works to improve oral communication in individuals with Parkinson's disease. It also has been successfully applied to individuals with MS, stroke, ataxic dysarthria, vocal fold paralysis and the aging voice.
The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program focuses on voice and speech abnormalities such as breathy voice, hoarseness, reduced loudness and imprecise articulation, and involves calibration of the patient's sense of vocal effort and loudness.
The LSVT program consists of four 45-minute therapy sessions weekly for four weeks. The treatment elements include high and intensive effort, and multiple repetitions with a focus on sensory awareness. The training sessions include family-assisted practice sessions at home, emphasizing high vocal and respiratory efforts.
This program is offered at Hoag Hospital Rehabilitation Services on an outpatient basis and is covered by Medicare.
A physical exam and referral from a physician are required prior to beginning the program.
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