Clinical Profile of Dysphagia in Patients with Parkinson's Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Multiple System Atrophy.

BACKGROUND

Swallowing changes are commonly observed in Parkinson's and Parkinsonism plus syndromes. Expeditious identification is necessary to provide early intervention in this population to avoid risk of aspiration and swallowing complications.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate swallowing problems using detailed case history and swallowing speed on 3 ounce water test in three groups i.e. PD, MSA and PSP groups and further, to compare it with control group.

SUBJECT AND

METHODS

Cross sectional study design. A total of 73 patients were classified in MSA, PSP and PD for testing aged between 38 yrs and 70 yrs according to respective diagnostic criteria. A simple bedside water swallowing test was performed using 90 cc of water. Detailed assessment was done to check swallowing function.

RESULTS

The mean age of both experimental group and control group was 62.4±8.37 yrs. and 61.05±7.07 yrs. Males were affected more in every pathological group compared to females. The dysphagia presented earlier in PSP and MSA groups as compared to PD groups. The water swallowing speed was found to be significantly less than 10ml/sec amongst three neurological groups compared to control group. The patients were found to have significant difficulty in parameters like repetitive swallowing, transferring food bolus through mouth, and food sticking in throat after swallowing.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study comparing clinical profile of dysphagia in patients with PD, MSA, and PSP. Although there is no specific pattern of dysphagia for each of these disorders, the presence of some findings may provide clue to the diagnosis and necessary intervention.