Can pulse oximetry or a bedside swallowing assessment be used to detect aspiration after stroke?

Background And Purpose: Desaturation during swallowing may help to identify aspiration in stroke patients. This study investigated pulse oximetry, bedside swallowing assessment (BSA), and videofluoroscopy as tests for detecting aspiration after stroke.

Methods: Swallowing was assessed in 189 stroke patients (mean+/-SD age, 70.

Early assessments of dysphagia and aspiration risk in acute stroke patients.

Background And Purpose: Dysphagia is common after stroke and is a marker of poor prognosis. Early identification is important. This article reviews the merits and limitations of various assessment methods available to clinicians.