Associated Factors With Swallowing Disorders in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis



Poorjavad M¹ ; Derakhshandeh F² ; Etemadifar M³ ; Soleymani B⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2010

Abstract

Background: Swallowing disorders are commonly observed in more than one-third of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, dysphagia in multiple sclerosis usually receives limited attention. The purpose of this study was to identify associated factors with different kinds of swallowing disorders in these patients. Methods: Swallowing function of 101 consecutive multiple sclerosis patients evaluated by the Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet and Clinical Oropharyngeal Examination, clinically. Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet could have identified patients with pharyngeal stage disorders, aspiration, oral stage disorders, and/or pharyngeal delay. Then possible associations between these disorders and age, age at onset of disease, disease duration and neurological disability were studied. Findings: Oral stage disorders related to disease duration (P = 0.001) and neurological disability as measured by EDSS scores (P < 0.001). Moreover, the prevalence of pharyngeal delay rose with increasing disease duration, significantly (P = 0.004). But the significant associations were not observed between swallowing disorders and age, and age at onset of disease. Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasized the importance of assessment and management of swallowing function in multiple sclerosis patients, especially in patients with a high EDSS score and long disease duration.