Video Swallowing Study
An inside view of throat and esophagus function
Diagnostic Tool for Swallowing Disorders and Other Conditions
Swallowing is something most of us do without thinking about it. But that's not the case if you have dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. When you feel like you get food stuck in your esophagus or things don't go down like they should, it can be frustrating and frightening. A video swallowing test may help find the cause.
Watching You Swallow
A video swallowing study is a real-time imaging test. It's also known as a modified barium swallow study. The test allows us to see your swallowing mechanism in action as you consume small amounts of foods and liquids containing barium. We use the most advanced technology and equipment available. It makes it easy to see your larynx (voice box) and vocal folds. Even if an ear, nose and throat specialist has looked at your vocal folds previously, this test can provide more information.
Unlike food or water, barium shows up on X-ray. As we watch it move through your throat and esophagus we can see if you can safely swallow while protecting your airway.
Doctors may recommend a swallowing study to check for growths or to see if you have esophageal changes or other disorders that make it harder for foods or liquids to pass. In most cases, during the test, you receive about the same amount of radiation as you'd get with a chest X-ray. But the benefits may be great. A video swallowing study can help us plan with you the safest way to eat and drink to prevent aspiration (food or liquid entering your lungs). It can also help you make sure you're getting enough nutrition.
More About Video Swallowing Study
A radiologist and a speech-language pathologist from speech therapy will conduct your test together. No fasting or special preparation is required.
Once they begin, you get small amounts of barium-containing foods and liquid. Don't be concerned about the barium taste. It's flavored and doesn't taste bad. It will not sick to your throat, esophagus or intestine. And, usually, it doesn't make you constipated.
Your swallow is recorded like a movie. During your procedure, our therapist may guide you in techniques to help you swallow better. But we also review the films with you at the end of the test. This allows you to see exactly what happens when you swallow. We may give you some additional tips for eating and drinking. You also follow up with your referring physician. The doctor may provide further care or refer you to other specialists.
The swallowing study itself only takes 15 minutes. But the entire evaluation will take about an hour. This includes time for gathering a thorough history and going over your results and recommendations.
Outpatient Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Evaluations are performed in the Radiology Department, either at the West Campus Rosenberg Building on One Deaconess Road or on the East Campus, in the Rabb Building.
On the West Campus, patients can valet park at the Rosenberg Building, take the elevators to the third floor and check in to the outpatient Radiology department.
On the East Campus, patients can use the Main Entrance at 330 Brookline Avenue; park near the Feldberg lobby and ask the staff at the information desk to guide you to the Rabb building. Take the elevators the third floor and check in to the outpatient Radiology department.
A representative from Voice, Speech and Swallowing will come to the Radiology department to collect a co-pay and to check the patient in to see the Speech-Language Pathologist or swallowing specialist.
Additional Services
Your therapy team coordinates your care with other specialty providers throughout our medical center. This ensures you receive comprehensive, streamlined care.
