UPDATE FROM MARTHA:

The speech therapist called yesterday and they will not go further trying things with Mom on food or drink till a test is administered-could go to hospital-by ambulance- for a barium swallow type test....or one there where she is- Becky Brown, speech therapist , is comfortable with that option as am I -the trip to and from hospital is too laborious....so don't know when it'll be-they order it thru a regional speech person....

went to web this am...
see below...

On way over there soon-went by twice yesterday , tho first time she was in therapy...
had a good visit last pm....her spirits still good-nothing new to report yet..
lv, m

FAQs about FEESST for Dysphagia

What is FEESST?
FEESST is an alternative test to the X-ray test of swallowing that uses a specifically designed endoscope in order to assess both the SENSORY and MOTOR components of the swallow.

What medical devices does FEESST utilize?
FEESST uses a specially designed endoscope that contains a small hollow opening or port. Through the port, pulses of air are administered from a device called the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator. Other components include a VCR, a monitor, a camera, a light source and a video printer.

How does the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator (APSS) work?
The APSS consists of a flexible fiber-optic endoscope tube, connected to an air pulse generator. When the tube is placed through the nose into the middle of the throat, pulses of air, varying in duration and intensity, are delivered to elicit an involuntary throat reflex.

By using the APSS, clinicians can easily determine which side of the throat is numb and simply have the patient turn his or her head so that the incoming food is exposed to the side of the of the throat with normal sensation.

Who may benefit from FEESST?
FEESST is generally used on the elderly, patients with stroke, chronic cough, reflux, Parkinson's disease, and patients with other chronic neurological conditions who have developed swallowing problems.

Why is FEESST used on stroke patients?
Just as some patients suffer from motor paralysis after a stroke, they can also experience sensory paralysis in their throat after stroke.

Stroke accounts for nearly 250,000 deaths each year in this country, about 40,000 of which occur from aspiration pneumonia. One of the most devastating and common complications of stroke is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), noted in some 30% of all stroke patients.

Studies with FEESST show that dysphagia can predispose stroke patients to the development of aspiration.(see dysphag1.htm) Knowledge of sensory discrimination in this area will lead to more precise therapeutic maneuvers by clinicians to ensure a safer swallow for their patients.

How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about ten minutes.

Do Medical Insurance Companies pay for FEESST?
Yes. Private medical insurance and Medicare now pay for FEESST.


Is there a way I can view a demonstration of FEESST on video?
Yes. You may order a free CD-ROM entitled, "Endoscopy of the Hypopharynx" narrated by Dr. Aviv in which he explains and demonstrates FEESST. To order your free copy, please click here.



Visit Dr. Jonathan Aviv's Web site

Read about Swallowing Research currently underway at the Department of Otolaryngology