Swallowing difficulties are common in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, affecting more than 80% of people with the condition. While the underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood, changes in dopamine levels, as well as weakened muscles, reduced reflexes and sensation in the throat are considered to affect how effectively individuals with Parkinson’s Disease can swallow food and […]
If you or someone you care for are experiencing swallowing difficulties, you know how much it can impact mealtime enjoyment and safety. While assessment of swallowing difficulties generally starts with a Speech Pathologist observing a typical mealtime, when more information is needed, an instrumental swallowing assessment is usually the next step. Two common instrumental assessments […]
If you’ve recently been recommended to have an instrumental swallowing assessment, there’s probably a lot of things going through your mind. First of all – what is involved in a FEES procedure, and how is this going to help you improve your swallowing safety in the long run? At Speak and Swallow, we’ve recently launched […]
Do you or someone you love have a cough that has been lingering for over 8 weeks? It’s likely that you’re experiencing what’s known as chronic cough or refractory chronic cough. It’s a common symptom that can be debilitating and frustrating to deal with. Keep on reading to find out more about what causes chronic […]
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD), otherwise known as Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) or Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM) is a voice disorder that is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Understandably, this can be frustrating and can result in a longer period between symptom onset and treatment. If you or your loved one has recently been diagnosed with […]
Vocal nodules may be small, but these bilateral masses can make a big impact on the way your voice sounds. Thankfully, speech therapy for vocal nodules is a treatment option that can help you regain your voice and keep it healthy. Keep on reading to find out more about what causes vocal nodules and how […]
