Swallowing Tests: X-Rays and Related Tests

Certain X-rays may be helpful in determining whether function of the mouth and throat muscles is adequate for safe and effective feeding. These include upper GI (gastrointestinal) series, nuclear scintiscan, and a video feeding study.

An upper GI series can evaluate the structure of the esophogus and stomach, screen for GE reflux and give limited information about mouth (oromotor) and swallowing function.

A small swallow of barium is given to and a series of X-rays are taken to visualize the pathway that the barium takes to get to the stomach.

The scintiscan is a nuclear medicine study which can evaluate reflux that occurs through the gastroesophogeal spinchter (the inlet of the stomach), the rate of gastric emptying through the pyloric sphincter (the outlet of the stomach), and check for aspiration into the lungs.

Radioisotope is either swallowed by the patient or placed by nasogastric tube into the stomach, and its' return into the esophagus, appearance in the lungs, and rate of disappearance from the stomach is assessed.

The video feeding study is a diagnostic test that incorporates the skills of both the radiologist and the feeding therapist. The patients ability to handle foods is evaluated under X-ray (fluoroscopy) while the therapist feeds the patient a variety of foods and liquids of different textures.

The different types of food and liquid are observed as they pass through the mouth, throat and esophagus, and into the stomach. It is primarily a demonstration of oromotor and swallowing function, and is very helpful in determining the thickness and texture of foods that the patient can safely handle.

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Swallowing Tests: X-Rays and Related Tests