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Dysphagia, course code (DYSL-701) MS SLP: Course Outlines

Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia can be a painful condition. In some cases, swallowing is impossible

Course Description

This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of anatomy and physiology as it pertains to swallowing and associated disorders. Through a combination of text, lectures, and various multimedia sources, students will be introduced to the anatomical structures and physiological mechanisms crucial for swallowing and understanding swallowing disorders. The curriculum covers the anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus; the etiologies of swallowing disorders; and the assessment and management of dysphagia, including both the evaluation and treatment techniques necessary for effective intervention.

Course Objectives

Learning Objectives:

The focus of this course is to develop an insight about the pathologies resulting in speech, language and swallowing problems. At the end of this course student will be enable:

 Describe normal anatomy and physiology of swallowing across the lifespan

 Evaluate the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological foundations of mastication and deglutition.

 Identify signs and symptoms of dysphagia and relate them to different diseases in adult and pediatric population

 Describe the roles and responsibilities of all the professionals in the dysphagia team.

 Evaluate and diagnose swallowing disorders using subjective methods and objective methods.

 Demonstrate skills in screening and clinical swallowing evaluation of all ages

 Demonstrate the compensatory and rehabilitative techniques for swallowing difficulties

 Critically appraise the scientific literature to make evidence-based clinical decisions.

 Describe ethical issues related to dysphagia assessment approaches, management planning and end of life care.

Recommended Books

Course Contents

Course Content:

 Epidemiology of swallowing disorders

 Anatomy and physiology of swallowing mechanism

 Factors effecting swallowing  Swallowing in aging population

 Cranial nerves & Muscles of mastication

 Swallowing disorders arising from neurologic disorders and other diseases

 Swallowing disorders following surgical treatments

 Aspiration before, after and during swallowing

 Dysphagia screening procedures

 Clinical evaluation of swallowing disorders

 Instrumental evaluation of swallowing disorders

 Management of dysphagia (Indirect strategies)

 Management of dysphagia (Direct strategies)

 Tracheostomy

 Pediatric dysphagia: Assessment of disorders of swallowing and feeding

 Treatment of feeding and swallowing disorders in infants and children

 Legal and professional issues, Health and safety, Making ethical decisions

 Use of AI in assessment and interventional procedures in Dysphagia