Up to 65% of stroke patients suffer from dysphagia. If it is not managed, it can cause poor nutrition, pneumonia and increased disability. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your patient’s condition. She can assess how well the muscles in the mouth move and ask questions to see if your patient can remember any techniques he might need to learn. The information will help her create an individualized treatment plan to help your patient regain his swallowing skills. She will continually evaluate his progress and determine when it’s safe for him to eat more normal foods.

Interventions may include avoiding liquids; adding thickeners to liquids can improve his ability to control swallowing. The following precautions may help him swallow more safely: when eating or drinking, assist him to sit upright, leaning forward with the chin down; reduce distractions in the room; allow adequate time for meals; feed him slowly by offering small bites and sips; give him frequent verbal cues to swallow; and remember to inspect his mouth for food trapped in cheek pockets. Be patient but encourage him to feed himself as soon as he is able.

If your patient exhibits a lack of interest in food, he needs to be assessed. Monitor his daily intake and weigh him weekly. Determine his food preferences and provide oral hygiene before meals. It’s wise to consult with a dietitian. As much as possible, serve meals in attractive manner. If permitted, supplement his meals with snacks and provide for social interaction during meals. If you feel that your patient may be suffering from depression, it needs to be managed as soon as possible. Stroke patients who are not successfully treated for depression are at higher risk of losing some of their capability to function normally, according to a study in the March 15, 2011 issue of the journal Neurology.