Dysphagia

Dysphagia (problems with swallowing) is a common consequence of acute stroke, with a reported incidence of 27% to 64%.

Dysphagia is associated with an increased risk of complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, dehydration and malnutrition. Dysphagia was also found to lead to poor clinical outcomes (chest infection, death, disability, discharge destination, longer length of stay), reinforcing the need for early detection and management.

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.