Meet Our Specialists
Meet our multidisciplinary team of laryngologists and speech language pathologists dedicated to helping those suffering from swallowing disorders.
The Johns Hopkins Swallowing Center team is committed to providing you with the highest level of care. Our multidisciplinary team features laryngologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and their colleagues in complementary disciplines, who all work together to provide you with individualized and compassionate care.
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Appointments and Locations
Visit and make an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
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Patient Education
Learn more information about dysphagia and its treatment options.
Request An Appointment
Services We Offer Diagnosing Swallowing Disorders
We offer a variety of both in-patient and outpatient diagnostic services. These include:
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A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will review your medical history and symptoms, then test the muscles of your face and mouth to evaluate muscle strength and function. The SLP will then ask you to swallow a variety of substances that can include thin liquids, thicker liquids, pureed foods and regular food and observe you for coughing or choking as you swallow.
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Fiberoptic Evaluation of Swallowing starts the same as a clinical swallow evaluation, it also includes endosopic evaluation of swallowing. A small scope is placed through your nose so the SLP can watch the inside of your throat while you eat and drink.
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Barium Swallow begins with a clinical swallow evaluation, and then includes x-ray examination of swallowing. You will be asked to swallow a variety of substances mixed with barium so the SLP can see your swallowing as you chew and then swallow. Under close observation, the SLP will look for signs of swallowing dysfunction or aspiration.
Why Choose Johns Hopkins for Swallowing Disorders
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our center comprises of a specialized team of surgeons and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working side by side to provide you with the full spectrum of diagnosis and treatment.
Advanced Research
Johns Hopkins continues to develop advancements in technology to diagnose swallowing disorders, the role of reflux in swallowing dysfunction, and novel treatments for swallowing disorders.
Treatment Options
Many treatments, such as fillers and injections, can be performed in the comfort of your doctor's office and often require minimal down time.
Surgical Expertise
If surgery is required, our surgeons offer the latest advancements in surgical care including minimally invasive robotic options and laser surgery to treat obstructive growths.
Patient Education
Have a better understanding about dysphagia, its symptoms and treatment options.
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Dysphagia
Swallowing requires the complex coordination of muscle contractions between the mouth, tongue, throat and esophagus. Dysphagia results when one or more of these areas does not function properly due to trauma, surgical nerve or muscle damage, chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
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Swallowing Disorders Treatment
Once your doctor diagnoses the exact type of swallowing disorder you have, an individualized treatment plan can begin immediately.
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Dysphagia: What Happens During a Bedside Swallow Exam
A bedside swallow exam is a test to see if you have dysphagia. Find out what to expect during this diagnostic test.
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Fiberoptic Evaluation of Swallowing
A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, also known as (FEES) test, is a procedure used to assess how well you swallow. During the procedure, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) passes a thin, flexible instrument through your nose.