Investigations

Specialised instrumental investigations for dysphagia may be required, including:

• videofluoroscopy of the swallow (modified barium swallow)—refer to a radiologist; speech pathologist often involved
• fibre-optic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES)—refer to a speech pathologist or FEES clinic, within an ear, nose and throat (ENT) department
• fibre-optic endoscopic examination of the gastro-oesophageal tract—refer to a gastroenterologist.

Other investigations may include chest X-ray and tests to assess nutritional status (eg iron studies, full blood count, liver biochemistry, vitamin B₁₂ and folate concentrations, body composition studies).