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Dysphagia pp 165–174Cite as

Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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Part of the book series: Medical Radiology ((Med Radiol Diagn Imaging))

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease involving degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons leading to muscle spasticity, hyperreflexia, atrophy and weakness. Muscles crucial for normal swallowing and respiratory function are impacted resulting in sensorimotor impairments, specifically dysphagia and dystussia in these individuals. Current interventions consist of symptom management, including feeding tube placement, compensatory swallowing strategies, and dietary modifications. Although exercise has historically been contraindicated, preliminary evidence in animal and human research indicate potential benefits of early intervention, mild-moderate intensity exercise to preserve bulbar function for as long as possible. Additional research is warranted to identify efficacious treatment regimens to maintain and improve swallowing and respiratory function in individuals with ALS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swallowing Systems Core, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Lauren C. Tabor M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P. & Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

  2. Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Science, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Lauren C. Tabor M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P. & Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

  3. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Lauren C. Tabor M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P. & Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

  4. Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

  5. Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

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  1. Lauren C. Tabor M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
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  2. Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
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Correspondence to Emily K. Plowman Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P. .

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  1. Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden

    Olle Ekberg

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Tabor, L.C., Plowman, E.K. (2017). Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In: Ekberg, O. (eds) Dysphagia. Medical Radiology(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2017_137

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