Suffer From Swallowing Problems After Stroke/pneumonia. Help?
Thank you for writing in.I understand your concern.
Swallowing problem ( dysphagia) can occur following stroke.We need to know her MRI brain report to help you further.
From Neurological perspective , dysphagia occurs for liquids more than solids.
Causes of dysphagia in stroke are, 1)when there are multiple infarcts in brain 2) When stroke is massive stroke(larger area of brain involved),3) brainstem stroke especially at the level of medulla (contains swallowing nerve ).
During this period person needs to be put on ryles tube feeding and try for swallowing test every 2 days( able to swallow water 200ml) for neurological recovery of nerve ,based on that orally tried.
One need to rule out local causes for dysphagia, by ENT surgeon,(like pharyngitis, obstructions) in view of long term dysphagia .
Hope I answered your query.
Please get back if you require additional clarifications
Regards
DR Sandhya Manorenj
Neurologist
Hyderabad ,India