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Published in: Current Treatment Options in Neurology 11/2023

09-10-2023 | Dysphagia

Speech Language Pathology in the Neurocritical Care Unit

Authors: Nicole Frost, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Gavin Yuan, BA, Julie Zhang, BA, Amy Rickard, CCC-SLP, Erin McGee, CCC-SLP, Michelle DiMattia, CCC-SLP, Stephan A. Mayer, MD

Published in: Current Treatment Options in Neurology | Issue 11/2023

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Abstract

Purpose of review

The aim of this study is to review the scope of practice of speech language pathologists (SLPs) in the daily practice of neurocritical care.

Recent findings

In patients with aphasia, impairment-based or function-based language interventions improve outcomes. Augmentative and alternative communication devices can help certain patients with severely impaired speech production. After tracheostomy, one-way speaking valves can be placed either in-line with a ventilator or after weaning; it has been shown that earlier placement is associated with faster decannulation. Swallow screening, bedside swallow evaluations, and instrumental swallowing evaluations such as videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) are valuable tools for diagnosing dysphagia and identifying candidates for percutaneous enteral gastrostomy. Deficit-based rehabilitation of dysphagia is centered on re-training swallowing muscles and reorganizing neural synapses involved in swallowing function, capitalizing on the principles of neuroplasticity and motor learning. Neuromodulation therapies such as pharyngeal electrical stimulation can promote functional reorganization of cortical pathways involved in swallowing and show promise to improve swallow function and reduce aspiration risk.

Summary

SLPs are essential members of the multi-disciplinary neurocritical care team, particularly with regard to the evaluation and management of communication, cognition, and swallowing dysfunction.
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Metadata
Title
Speech Language Pathology in the Neurocritical Care Unit
Authors
Nicole Frost, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Gavin Yuan, BA
Julie Zhang, BA
Amy Rickard, CCC-SLP
Erin McGee, CCC-SLP
Michelle DiMattia, CCC-SLP
Stephan A. Mayer, MD
Publication date
09-10-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Treatment Options in Neurology / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 1092-8480
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3138
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-023-00772-5

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