[Dysphagia] Mild, moderate etc

[eripley at yahoo.com (Irene Campbell-Taylor)]

The only thing I know of is the Penetration  Aspiration Scale:
   
  The 8-Point Penetration Aspiration Scale
   
   
  1.      Material does not enter the airway
   
  2.      Material enters the airway, remains above the vocal folds, and is ejected from the airway
   
  3.      Material enters the airway, remains above the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the airway
   
  4.      Material enters the airway, contacts the vocal folds, and is ejected from the airway
   
  5.      Material enters the airway, contacts the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the airway
   
  6.      Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and is ejected into the larynx or out of the airway
   
  7.      Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the trachea despite effort
   
  Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and no effort is made to eject
  Rosenbek, J. C., Robbins J., Roecker E. V., Coyle, J. L., & Woods, J. L. (1996).  A Penetration-Aspiration Scale.  Dysphagia, 11, 93-98, 1996.
   
  Daniels et al applied it thus:
   
  No Risk
   1 Normal: No airway invasion.
   
  2 Mild : Bolus enters into airway with clearing.
   
  Risk of Aspiration 
   
  3 Moderate:  Bolus enters into airway without clearing.
  4 Moderate Bolus:  contacts vocal cords with airway clearing.
  5 Moderate Bolus:  contacts vocal cords without airway clearing.
   
  Positive Aspiration
   
   6 Severe :Bolus enters trachea and is cleared into larynx or out of airway.
  7 Severe:  Bolus enters trachea and is not cleared despite attempts.
  8 Severe:  Bolus enters trachea and no attempt is made to clear.
   
  I've never found it particularly useful.


Dr I Campbell-Taylor
Clinical Neuroscientist
Exclusive Distributor:
www.interactivetherapy.com