The American Heart Association defines a stroke as the obstructed blood flow to one side of the brain which controls the bodily functions on the opposite side. Stroke can result in paralysis, vision problems, behavioral changes, memory deficits, speech impairments, and dysphagia, or problems swallowing. The effects of stroke can limit the ability to move and communicate needs. They can also interfere with nutrition and may lead to choking, aspiration of food or drink into the airways and lungs resulting in infection, pneumonia and even death.
Aspiration
Dysphagia is a relatively common occurrence in stroke victims with poor tongue control. Poor tongue control increases the likelihood of choking on thin or watery or difficult to chew substances. According to the National Stroke Association, sensation in the throat is decreased by the stroke and thus a person may inadvertently swallow without the usual violent choking necessary to naturally dislodge the foreign material. Care providers should thicken beverages and ensure food is cut small enough and is soft enough to swallow.
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