MBS is the "gold standard" of swallow study
The Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) study
The modified barium swallow study is the "gold standard" for evaluating the structures and physiology of the oral, pharyngeal and upper 1/3 of the esophageal phases of the swallow.
A specially trained Speech Language Pathologist administers various consistencies of food and liquid mixed with medical grade barium to the patient in order to assess swallow function. This procedure identifies physiological deficits that guide appropriate treatment planning.
In addition, the study is used to determine the safest and least restrictive oral diet and beneficial swallow strategies and treatment.
Velopharyngeal assesses working speech structures
Fluoroscopy Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Test
A velopharyngeal insufficiency test by video fluoroscopy is a procedure for adults and children with persistent hypernasal speech. This procedure allows the SLP and ENT/Craniofacial surgical team to identify the anatomy, physiology and closure pattern of velopharyngeal port to assist with treatment planning and/or surgical intervention.
During the procedure, a patient is recorded while speaking the three positions to assess the functional structures during speech.
