Reliable Swallowing Diagnosis & Evaluations in Birmingham, AL
At ExcelENT, we understand the impact that swallowing difficulties can have on your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or difficulty swallowing, our expert team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating your condition effectively. We offer a comprehensive approach to swallowing diagnosis and treatment, utilizing advanced techniques and technologies to assess the underlying causes of your symptoms accurately.
With a focus on personalized care, we strive to improve your swallowing function and enhance your overall well-being. Trust ExcelENT to provide you with the compassionate care and innovative solutions you need for effective swallowing diagnosis and treatment.
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Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
FEES is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for a detailed examination of the swallowing process. Using a small endoscope inserted through the patient’s nose, our speech-language pathologists can see the movement of food and liquid in the throat and upper airway.
During the evaluation, various postural changes, food consistencies, and swallowing techniques are tested to assess their impact on swallowing function. This visual feedback enables our experts to determine the effectiveness of different strategies in improving safe oral intake.
Following the FEES evaluation, our speech-language pathologists provide tailored therapeutic interventions and dietary recommendations to enhance the patient’s swallowing abilities. Trust our advanced endoscopic technology and personalized care to address your swallowing concerns effectively.
Signs You May Need a Swallowing Evaluation
Swallowing Evaluations FAQs
Unlike other swallowing tests, FEES provides a direct visual examination of the throat and upper airway during swallowing. It involves placing a small endoscope through the nose to observe the movement of food or liquid, allowing for a more precise evaluation of swallowing function.
No, a FEES procedure is generally well-tolerated and minimally invasive. The small endoscope is gently inserted through the nose, and although you may experience slight discomfort or a sensation of pressure, it is not typically painful.
The FEES evaluation provides valuable information about the impact of postural changes, food consistency, and swallowing techniques on your ability to swallow safely.
Based on the results, our speech-language pathologist can recommend specific therapeutic interventions, such as exercises or maneuvers, to improve your swallowing function. We can also provide dietary recommendations to ensure you consume food and liquids in a manner that minimizes swallowing difficulties and promotes safer swallowing.