Videofluoroscopy (VFS)
Videofluoroscopy also known as Modified Barium Swallow is simply as ‘moving video picture of the swallow process’. Done in a radiology centre this procedure involves giving the patient different consistencies of food such as thin fluids, thickened fluids, porridge, biscuits, rice etc mixed with barium sulphate.
A video recording done then illustrates how well the person chews and pushes the food to the back of the throat, how well the muscles squeeze the food down the throat to the oesophagus and if food enters the wrong channel – the airway instead of the food pipe.
Importantly this test allows the therapist to understand why a person demonstrates a particular problem in swallowing- e.g, why does food enter the airway or why is he complaining of food stuck in the throat etc. This enables the team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage the swallowing disorder.
This objective test also allows the therapist to measure change in the swallow function post treatments such as sEMG or VITALSTIM therapy. It also allows the therapist to check is specific techniques can facilitate safe swallows.
