An Online Resource On Cerebral Palsy

This site is intended to provide information on the associated conditions of cerebral palsy.

Swallowing Difficulties

There are a large number of possible swallowing problems. There may be difficulties closing the lips, moving the tongue to control food during chewing or to push food from the front to the back of the mouth. Muscles of the face may be weak and allow food to collect in the cheeks. There may be a problem with sensation in the mouth, so that the child cannot feel where the food is located or even be aware that there is food in the mouth. Some children have difficulty in coordinating the muscles that close and protect the larynx or with muscles that close the valve into the nose. The control of muscles that push food through the pharynx may be damaged, causing food to be left behind in the throat. Or, the muscles of the esophagus may be damaged so that they cannot contract and put pressure on the food as it enters the esophagus.

Most common signs of a swallowing problem include:

 Coughing while eating or drinking or very soon after eating or drinking

 Wet sounding voice during or after eating

 Increased congestion in the chest after eating or drinking

 Slow eating

 Multiple swallows on a single mouthful of food

 Obvious extra effort or difficulty while chewing or swallowing

 Fatigue or shortness of breath while eating

 Temperature rising 30 minutes to an hour after eating

 Repetitive pneumonias

For the child with cerebral palsy, proper positioning, such as sitting up while eating or drinking and extending the individual's neck away from the body to reduce the risk of choking, may help alleviate swallowing problems. In severe cases of swallowing problems, physicians may recommend tube feeding, in which a tube delivers food and nutrients down the throat and into the stomach. This is typically only suggested when the swallowing difficulties lead to malnutrition.