BJH-SDS Validation of the German Translation

The test includes the assessment of a sufficient level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale over 13 points), a check for facial paresis, soft palate paresis and tongue paresis followed by a water swallow test with 90 ml of water if the previous points are assessed as normal. The water swallow test checks for signs of aspiration (throat clearing, coughing or a change in voice quality)

The FEES evaluates anatomical changes, functional disorders of the visible structures (e.g. recurrent paresis), saliva management, penetration and aspiration of food boluses in order to draw conclusions about the underlying pathomechanism of dysphagia. It is an established standard diagnostic procedure for stroke patients and, in addition to the diagnosis of dysphagia, also enables pathomechanism-guided therapy by speech therapists