Progressive neurologic disease and dysphagia (including parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, post-polio syndrome)

Abstract

This chapter's purposes are to provide a compact review of eleven progressive neurologic conditions’ effects on swallowing dysfunction and to briefly discuss management options specific to each. They were selected because dysphagia, with subsequent influences on health and quality of life, is nearly inevitable during the course of each. The conditions include eight syndromes, among them Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis and three movement abnormalities-ataxia, dystonia, and chorea. Each syndrome or movement abnormality is defined, then prevalence/incidence, pathophysiology, evaluation, complications such as aspiration pneumonia, and team management are described. The emphasis is on focused evaluation and rehabilitation of the dysphagia.