Swallowing Disorders Centre

Swallowing is a complex physiological process, and several conditions can interfere with this process. Dysphagia and swallowing problems are common and can occur in any age group interfering with routines of eating and drinking that can normally be taken for granted. There are many causes though neurological, structural damages and head and neck cancers are common causes of swallowing disorders.
Patients are referred to the swallowing disorders centre to undergo assessment of their swallowing for identification, management and treatment of dysphagia. Imaging methods such as videofluoroscopy and endoscopic examination could also be undertaken if indicated. Management of the swallowing disorder is done through counselling the patient and caregivers of techniques to follow while feeding and surgical intervention if necessary.

Research shows that about 5% of general population have dysphagia. One in two head and neck cancer patients suffer from swallowing disorders, while 80% of adults with motor neuron disease and children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome suffer from the same. Adults with dementia (13 to 57%), parkinson’s disease (35 to 80%), mental illness (32%) and prolonged medical care due to old age (30%) also suffer from dysphagia in a large extent.
Swallowing difficulties impact normal life drastically not only for the patient but even their care givers. It often leads to malnutrition, dehydration and recurrent chest infections. Mortality rates are also significantly high among these patients. Sometimes, patients have recurrent hospital admission and prolonged hospitals stays leading to repeated courses of antibiotics and dependence on feeding tubes, which in turn, increase the financial burden of the families. Notwithstanding its incidence and the influence, it has on so many aspects of daily life as well as on health and wellbeing, swallowing disorders remains undetected and untreated in many medical institutions and residential care home, globally.

• Swallowing disorders have differing etiologies and involve many systems of the body. Hence, the swallowing service team comprises of a consultant Speech and Language Pathologist specializing in Swallowing Disorders, Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck Surgeon, Pediatric Neurologist, Gastroenterologist, Stroke Medicine Physician and Neurologist.
• Our specialists come together to provide cutting-edge advances and diagnosis to patients. This helps to provide comprehensive treatment and care to the patient.
• The multidisciplinary approach to treat dysphagia as more than just an assessment and management strategy using videofluoroscopy, manometry and electromyography to a more comprehensive approach by understanding brainstem control mechanism, cortical modulatory effects on deglutition and effects of phagosurgery.

• Specialist expertise in assessing and managing complex feeding and swallowing problems.
• The service is available for infants, children and adults with neurological impairment causing difficulties with eating and drinking.
• Clinical and imaging examinations are conducted as needed and results are discussed with the patient's family.
• Detailed assessments, recommendations, and feeding methods are conveyed.
• Rehabilitation for speech and swallowing function after head and neck cancer treatment.
• A dedicated speech and swallowing service is available to improve quality of life and cure for patients who have undergone surgery or radiation treatment.
• Endoscopic and videofluoroscopic evaluation is used to precisely identify problems which can be corrected by rehabilitative techniques.

Emergency Contact

Phone:0484 - 2851401
Email: headandnecksurgery@aims.amrita.edu

Ambulance Service

Phone: 0484 - 2856041
Fax: 0484 - 2856035
Email: ambulanceservices@aims.amrita.edu