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Difficulty swallowing or “dysphagia” can occur for many reasons.
The degree of difficulty can range from mild, almost undetectable to a complete inability to swallow. Regardless of severity,
the prompt diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia is critical to avoid additional serious medical complications such as aspiration
pneumonia or dehydration.
Because dysphagia presents with such a range of symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment
protocols are best determined by skilled, highly trained specialists. Patient input is also a key element in adhering to recommendations
made by healthcare professionals. The Connecticut Swallowing Center offers a unique, comprehensive, state-of-the-art team
approach to patients with dysphagia.
Initial evaluation is done at our diagnostic center in Fairfield. Using the newest
technology designed for accuracy and patient comfort, doctors and speech-language pathologists can pinpoint problem areas
by actually visualizing the patient’s swallow. Because this new technology does not require exposure to X-rays, there is minimal
risk to the patient; diagnosis is based on thorough and accurate evaluation procedures.
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Once a diagnosis is made, patients may be seen in any of our
five treatment sites with oversight by the original diagnostic team. A treatment protocol can then be carefully tailored to
each patient’s particular needs. This team approach offers the patient consistent monitoring of progress with prompt, periodic
reports to the patient’s primary care physician.
The Connecticut Swallowing Center’s comprehensive approach is unique
in that diagnosis, follow-up treatment, progress monitoring and reporting is centralized for optimal results and a minimum
of administrative delays. If difficulties or setbacks arise during the course of treatment, immediate adjustments can be made
with input from all professionals involved from the evaluators to the treatment team. This way complications from delays can
be avoided. We believe that the best medical care is personal, comprehensive and patient driven. Minimizing the stress a patient
experiences in getting appropriate and prompt care is a significant benefit to a patient’s overall well-being.
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