General
Stats:
- Description-A video
is taken as contrast is swallowed. The video can then be played back at
a slower speed to detect minor abnormalities in the swallowing mechanism.
An Otolaryngologist or Radiologist and speech therapist perform the test
at a x-ray facility. The doctor then interprets the results. The test takes
1 hour to perform .
- Discomfort - Minimal.
The contrast is unpleasant to swallow to some.
- Duration:
About 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on findings.
- Results - Within 1-2
days.
- Risks of Procedure
- Exposure to radiation, particularly during pregnancy.
- Average Cost - $
- Other names: Video
swallow or cookie swallow .
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Indication for Test
- To examine the swallowing
mechanism in persons who are having problems swallowing.
Preparation
- Nothing by mouth
for several hours before the test.
- You wear a hospital
gown.
- You are placed on
a x-ray table.
- A video monitor attached
to a x-ray machine is used to take pictures and videos as you swallow various
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Procedure
- While on the x-ray
table, you swallow barium of varying consistencies (thin liquid, thick liquid,
paste, and barium-coated cookie/marshmallow/pill).
- By varying the amounts
and consistency of the contrast material that is swallowed, the doctor is
able to identify the cause of the swallowing problem.
- With a speech pathologist
present, techniques to aid in improving the swallowing problem can be identified.
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After the Procedure
- Patient is free to
leave and resume normal activities.
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Factors affecting results
- Movement affects the
quality of the images obtained.
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Advantages
- The test can identify
the cause of the swallowing problem and, in some cases, identify techniques
to improve swallowing.
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Disadvantages
- Detailed images of
the damaged organs are not obtained.
- There is a small
amount of radiation exposure.
- Some diseases that
can cause swallowing problems can be missed if they occur in the mid or
lower esophagus.
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