Dysphagia Course

Lesson 1 • Neural Control of Swallowing

Maps cranial nerves and brainstem swallowing centers governing deglutition. Prepares students to predict deficits from specific neurological lesions.

Lesson 2 • Esophageal Anatomy and Motility

Describes esophageal layers, sphincters, and peristaltic function. Provides context for distinguishing esophageal from oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Lesson 3 • Pharyngeal Anatomy and Structures

Identifies nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx with associated muscles. Links pharyngeal anatomy to airway protection mechanisms.

Lesson 4 • Laryngeal Anatomy and Airway Protection

Examines laryngeal cartilages, vocal folds, and supraglottic structures. Connects laryngeal anatomy to aspiration prevention during swallowing.

Lesson 1 • Swallowing Across the Lifespan

Compares swallowing physiology in infants, adults, and older adults. Establishes age-related norms essential for accurate dysphagia diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Esophageal Phase Function

Covers UES opening, esophageal peristalsis, and LES relaxation during bolus transport. Differentiates esophageal-phase events from oropharyngeal swallowing.

Lesson 3 • Pharyngeal Phase Biomechanics

Details the rapid, reflexive sequence of pharyngeal events protecting the airway. Provides the physiological framework for interpreting pharyngeal dysphagia signs.

Lesson 4 • Oral Transit Phase Events

Describes tongue-driven bolus propulsion from oral cavity to pharynx. Establishes timing benchmarks used to identify oral transit delays.

Lesson 1 • Dysphagia Severity Classification Systems

Introduces standardized scales for rating dysphagia severity and diet tolerance. Enables consistent clinical documentation and treatment planning.

Lesson 2 • Structural and Mechanical Causes

Covers head and neck cancer, Zenker's diverticulum, strictures, and cervical osteophytes. Connects structural changes to specific swallowing phase disruptions.

Lesson 3 • Inflammatory and Infectious Causes

Addresses epiglottitis, esophagitis, candidiasis, and radiation-induced fibrosis. Prepares students to recognize dysphagia in acute and chronic inflammatory contexts.

Lesson 4 • Neurological Causes of Dysphagia

Examines stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and ALS as dysphagia etiologies. Links lesion location to predicted swallowing impairment patterns.

Lesson 1 • Trial Swallowing with Varied Consistencies

Administers systematic food and liquid trials using standardized texture and viscosity levels. Identifies consistency-specific swallowing deficits and aspiration risk.

Lesson 2 • Cognitive and Respiratory Assessment

Evaluates alertness, attention, and respiratory support as swallowing prerequisites. Integrates cognitive and pulmonary status into overall dysphagia risk determination.

Lesson 3 • Oral Mechanism Examination

Assesses structure, strength, sensation, and coordination of oral and pharyngeal structures. Provides objective baseline data for treatment planning and progress tracking.

Lesson 4 • Patient History and Chart Review

Guides systematic review of medical history, medications, and prior swallowing studies. Establishes the clinical context needed before any direct patient assessment.

Lesson 1 • Reporting and Communicating Study Results

Develops structured reporting skills for instrumental study findings and recommendations. Ensures accurate, actionable communication with referring clinicians and care teams.

Lesson 2 • Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

Teaches FEES scope passage, image interpretation, and sensory testing protocols. Enables bedside instrumental assessment without radiation exposure.

Lesson 3 • Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

Covers VFSS setup, barium contrast preparation, and real-time fluoroscopic imaging interpretation. Trains students to identify phase-specific deficits and aspiration events.

Lesson 4 • High-Resolution Manometry in Dysphagia

Introduces pharyngeal and esophageal pressure measurement using high-resolution manometry. Connects pressure data to UES dysfunction and esophageal motility disorders.

Lesson 1 • Compensatory Swallowing Strategies

Teaches postural adjustments and swallowing maneuvers that immediately reduce aspiration risk. Distinguishes compensatory from rehabilitative approaches in treatment planning.

Lesson 2 • Diet Modification and Texture Management

Applies standardized texture and viscosity frameworks to match diet to swallowing capacity. Balances nutritional adequacy, patient preference, and aspiration risk in diet planning.

Lesson 3 • Oral Motor and Sensory Interventions

Covers tongue strengthening, lip exercises, and thermal-tactile stimulation for oral-phase deficits. Grounds each technique in the physiological target it addresses.

Lesson 4 • Pharyngeal Strengthening Exercises

Introduces Mendelsohn maneuver, Shaker exercise, and expiratory muscle strength training. Targets hyolaryngeal excursion, UES opening, and pharyngeal clearance deficits.

Lesson 1 • Dysphagia in Intensive Care Settings

Covers post-extubation dysphagia, tracheostomy management, and ventilator-dependent swallowing. Prepares students for high-acuity bedside assessment and team collaboration.

Lesson 2 • Dysphagia in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Tailors intervention for progressive conditions including ALS, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. Emphasizes maintenance, quality of life, and advance care planning in treatment goals.

Lesson 3 • Dysphagia in Geriatric Care Settings

Addresses presbyphagia, polypharmacy, and frailty as compounding factors in older adult dysphagia. Guides assessment and intervention within long-term care and home health contexts.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Dysphagia Management

Adapts evaluation and treatment for infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders. Integrates family-centered care and developmental feeding milestones into intervention.

Lesson 1 • Outcome Measurement in Dysphagia Practice

Introduces validated outcome tools for tracking swallowing function, diet advancement, and quality of life. Connects outcome data to evidence-based practice and program evaluation.

Lesson 2 • Quality Improvement in Dysphagia Services

Applies QI methodologies to identify gaps, implement changes, and monitor dysphagia program outcomes. Builds skills for leading practice improvement initiatives in clinical settings.

Lesson 3 • Interprofessional Collaboration in Dysphagia Care

Defines roles of dietitians, nurses, physicians, and therapists in the dysphagia care team. Develops communication and collaboration skills for coordinated patient management.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Documentation Standards

Covers evaluation reports, treatment notes, and progress documentation for dysphagia services. Ensures records meet professional, regulatory, and reimbursement requirements.