ABSTRACT
Purpose:
to analyze the evolution of swallowing after acute stroke.
Methods:
this is a descriptive exploratory study with a non-probabilistic sample where 100 stroke patients were followed in the Regional Public Hospital of Betim. The patients were subjected to a structured speech evaluation in two different times: in the first 48 hours after stroke and at the time of hospital discharge. The Gugging Swallowing Screen scale was used. It is a standardized and valid tool to be used at the bedside.
Results:
in the initial speech evaluation, the frequency of dysphagia among patients was of 52%, being that 28% of them were diagnosed with severe dysphagia with high risk of aspiration. The average time between the initial swallowing assessment and the assessment at the hospital discharge was 22.1 days. At the hospital discharge, only 2.1% of patients still presented severe dysphagia. A change of the swallowing profile with the severity of dysphagia and texture of the oral feeding was observed.
Conclusion:
the frequency of post-stroke dysphagia is high, but there are progressive changes in the swallowing profile of the patients during their hospital stay.
Keywords:
Stroke; Deglutition Disorders; Clinical Evolution
