WHAT IS A VIDEOFLUOROSCOPY?
A Videofluoroscopy also referred to as a Modified Barium Swallow Study, or MBSS, is a special x-ray procedure which is used to investigate swallowing problems as well as facilitate treatment and measure progress of your treatment. A Videofluoroscopy is one type of exam used to assess a person's swallow when dysphagia is suspected. Another type of exam is called Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). As the FEES is now being more widely used, the Videofluoroscopy still remains the "gold standard" in swallowing examination.
CLINICAL INDICATORS FOR INSTRUMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF DYSPHAGIA:
click on the following link to the ASHA website: http://www.asha.org/docs/html/GL2000-00047.html
Once you arrive in the radiology room, you will be asked to swallow a special substance called barium, which may be mixed with any of the following:
Barium shows up clearly on the x-ray. It has a slightly chalky taste. A moving x-ray is taken and videoed so that it can be used to examine your swallowing in more detail afterwards.
In order for us to fully assess your swallow, you may be asked to sit in different positions during the procedure, or occasionally to stand or lie down. People will be there to help you if you find it difficult to move. If you are in a wheelchair, you will normally be able to stay in it.
CLINICAL INDICATORS FOR INSTRUMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF DYSPHAGIA:
click on the following link to the ASHA website: http://www.asha.org/docs/html/GL2000-00047.html
Once you arrive in the radiology room, you will be asked to swallow a special substance called barium, which may be mixed with any of the following:
- Normal (thin) liquid
- Thickened liquid (This can be honey thick nectar thick, or pudding thick liquid)
- Mousse/puree (usually pudding or apple sauce
- Biscuit/cookie
Barium shows up clearly on the x-ray. It has a slightly chalky taste. A moving x-ray is taken and videoed so that it can be used to examine your swallowing in more detail afterwards.
In order for us to fully assess your swallow, you may be asked to sit in different positions during the procedure, or occasionally to stand or lie down. People will be there to help you if you find it difficult to move. If you are in a wheelchair, you will normally be able to stay in it.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE?
You can eat and drink normally before coming in for your examination.
Generally you do not have to change clothes for this examination. You might be offered you a gown to wear over your clothes, to protect them from spilled barium. It is helpful if earrings and necklaces are not worn, as these will show up on the x-ray.
The procedure is not painful, although the barium may cause some constipation.
WHO WILL BE PRESENT?
There will be several people present during the x-ray:
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Your partner/caregiver or someone else can come with you to the examination. They may be asked to wait outside the x-ray room during the actual procedure.
More information about swallowing difficulties can be obtained from: www.dysphagia.com or www.asha.org
Generally you do not have to change clothes for this examination. You might be offered you a gown to wear over your clothes, to protect them from spilled barium. It is helpful if earrings and necklaces are not worn, as these will show up on the x-ray.
The procedure is not painful, although the barium may cause some constipation.
WHO WILL BE PRESENT?
There will be several people present during the x-ray:
- At least one speech and language therapist – they will talk you through each step of the procedure and will give you various things to eat or drink
- Your own speech and language therapist will be there
- Radiologist – the doctor who will supervise the procedure.
- Radiographer – they will help prepare you for the procedure and will work the video Xray machine.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
- The speech and language therapist and radiologist will confirm whether there is a swallowing problem and identify what might be causing it.
- They will briefly advise you of the results of the videofluoroscopy and of any immediate steps that you can take to make swallowing easier or safer, i.e. a particular position or type of food.
- Your own speech and language therapist will make an appointment with you to discuss the results in more detail.
- You may be shown the video to explain why you are having difficulties and to talk through any changes you may need to make to your diet or posture when eating/drinking.
- A report will be sent to your GP and to the person who referred you to the clinic with the recommendations which should be discussed with you either at the time of the examination, or soon following.
Your partner/caregiver or someone else can come with you to the examination. They may be asked to wait outside the x-ray room during the actual procedure.
More information about swallowing difficulties can be obtained from: www.dysphagia.com or www.asha.org
