Dysphagia Program

​Dysphagia (swallowing problems) can be caused by a wide range of conditions including brain injury, stroke, or progressive disease. Our licensed speech therapists work with patients to help them improve the basic life function of eating.

A swallowing disorder can cause difficulty with biting, chewing, propelling (moving food through the mouth), swallowing, or a combination of the above. Dysphagia can include the following symptoms:

• Pain or coughing when swallowing.
• Coughing, choking and/or throat clearing after swallowing.
  

  
  

• Delay in swallowing.
• Residual food left in the mouth after swallowing.
• A wet, hoarse or strained voice after swallowing.

Upon referral by a physician – the patient’s own doctor or a member of our staff – dysphagia patients receive customized treatment that may include the following:

• A complete dysphagia evaluation performed by a Certified Speech and Language Pathologist.
• An explanation of the swallowing process and the patient’s current deficits in this area.
  

  
  

• A recommended course of treatment, decided in tandem with a team of St. Lawrence professionals.
• Diet modifications for each individual.

Please contact our Outpatient Coordinators at (609)896-2515 to schedule your evaluation or for additional questions.

For clinical questions or to learn more about our facility, please contact Marlene Stankus, Director of Speech Therapy at Mstankus@SLRC.org or at (609) 896-9500 ext 2260