Cinefluorography in the diagnosis of pharyngeal palsies

Abstract

The etiology of dysphagia may be difficult to diagnose when it presents without clinical signs or an associated clinical syndrome. Pharyngeal palsies present in acute and chronic forms. Cinefluorographic techniques are helpful in making an objective diagnosis of pharyngeal palsy. Advice may be given to the patient on head and neck positions during swallowing that is based on the findings of the cinefluorographic examination, in order to alleviate symptoms. Good fluoroscopy, preferably with video-tape recording facilities, may be perfectly adequate provided that the diagnosis is considered at that time.