Using the gugging swallowing screen (GUSS) for dysphagia screening in acute stroke patients.

Aspiration pneumonia from dysphagia following stroke presents significant morbidity and mortality in that population. Dysphagia screening before oral intake has been a standard of care for years, but there is a lack of consensus on the best screening tool. The Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) is presented as a potentially better alternative to other dysphagia screens due to its safer progression of oral intake, more thorough evaluation of swallowing, and ability to enable earlier nutrition.