How can Speech-Language Pathologists Think about Sensation during Assessment and Treatment of Dysphagia?

Purpose: Both the enjoyment of foods and safe swallowing revolve around incorporating multiple streams of sensory feedback to form a positive sensory experience; these include information about the taste, smell, texture, temperature and even the sight of food. Traditional swallowing assessment and treatment paradigms have primarily focused on the motor aspects of swallowing. However, sensory information is vital for not only enjoying foods while eating, but also coordinating safe and efficient swallow behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the clinical importance of sensation in swallowing evaluation and intervention. Conclusions: During their clinical assessments of swallowing, Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) are already documenting the functional results of oropharyngeal sensorimotor impairments (e.g. residue). A combination of sensory and motor aspects is already integrated within current behavioral treatment strategies for dysphagia. Focused attention to the salient sensory features of swallowing has the potential to improve swallowing evaluation and intervention efforts. A discussion of potential future research in improved measurement and documentation of altered sensation is provided.