Your Mobile Partner in Swallowing Disorders!
FREE - ZOOM Dysphagia In-Services
If you are interested in having Joan Kelly Arsenault, MA, CCC-SLP BCS-S present or provide a FREE in-service at your facility/agency, please contact Charlene McKenzie, Vice President of Business Development at 978.750.0300 or email her at charlene@massteximaging.com.
MassTex Imaging, proudly adopts the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI).
Service Agreements for Skilled Nursing Facilities & Rehab Hospitals:
Please contact Charlene McKenzie, Vice President of Business Development at 978.750.0300 or email her at charlene@massteximaging.com.
MTI Speaks at Graduate Student Programs:
Inquire today at mbssonline@massteximaging.com
Attention:
Joan Kelly Arsenault, MA, CCC SLP/BCS-S
MassTex Imaging MBSS Pictures Featured in a Book called Essentials of Communication Sciences & Disorders by Paul T. Fogle. PH.D., CCC-SLP Professor Emeritus Click for Excerpt of Chapter 18
The modified barium swallow study (also known as a videofluoroscopy swallow study [VFSS]) is considered the “gold standard” instrumental evaluation for viewing the physiology of the swallow and determining the presence or absence of aspiration (Logemann, 1998; Swigert, 2007) (FIGURE 18-3).
FIGURE 18-3
FIGURE 18-3 A speech-language pathologist performing a modified barium swallow study (MBSS). Note the X-ray equipment. Joan Kelly Arsenault, MA, CCC/SLP, BCS-S demonstrating MBSS on MassTex Imaging’s Mobile Clinic 2016” MassTex Imaging providers Mobile Dysphagia Consultations throughout New England. (www.massteximaging.com).
The SLP carefully observes on the video screen the patient’s oral preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing (FIGURE 18-4).
FIGURE 18-4
FIGURE 18-4 A speech-language pathologist viewing the video image of a modified barium swallow study (MBSS). SLP & MD reviewing MBSS on MassTex Imaging’s Mobile Clinic 2016”, compliments of Joan E. Baumer, MD, FAAFP, President/CMO and Joan Kelly Arsenault, MA, CCC/SLP, BCS-S, CEO (www.massteximaging.com)
Click here for the Essentials of Communication Sciences & Disorders book.
Published POSTERS
What’s Coughing Got to Do With It? Click for Poster
MassTex Imaging presented this research poster at Dysphagia Research Society’s 2024 Conference. Our research focused on the etiology of cough and how misconceptions can affect our decision making.
The presence of a cough during eating/drinking is often considered an indicator of potential aspiration. Diets may be downgraded based on this indicator following a bedside assessment, without the use of instrumental assessment to determine if the cough is related to dysphagia. This puts patients at risk of being on more restricted diets than are warranted. The purpose of this study was to determine if cough as the sole indicator for an MBSS is associated with 1} aspiration 2} inadequate pharyngeal clearance, or 3} esophageal dysphagia. Confirmation of any of these three possible associations would allow for improved decision making for patients with dysphagia.
Preliminary results indicated that cough along was NOT a reliable indicator of aspiration or esophageal dysphagia. Inadequate pharyngeal clearance, or presence of post-swallow residuals IS a statistically significant source of cough. We look forward to contributing to the discussion of how we can best serve our patients.
Viscosity, Viscosity, Viscosity! Do Standard Measurements Matter?: Click for Poster
Methods of thickening liquids are variable among healthcare providers/caregivers. 19 healthcare providers/caregivers thickened water to nectar, honey and pudding thick consistencies using their facility's preferred thickening agent and protocol. Samples were tested utilizing the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) Flow Test to determine if thickness criteria was met. Visit our website for the results.
The Physiological and Safety Implications of Decreased Epiglottic Deflection: Click for Poster
Moving a bolus safely through the pharynx is a complex event. Epiglottic Deflection (ED) plays a role in both bolus transport and airway protection; but while much is known about epiglottic movement, surprisingly little has been published correlating it with penetration and aspiration. This study aims to identify the impact of ED with the risk of airway compromise in dysphagic adults. Poster/results located on our website.
MassTex Imaging, LLC published in Essentials of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Second Edition, by Paul T. Fogle, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning. Dr. Fogle states that the "MBSS is considered the 'Gold' Standard instrumental evaluation for viewing the physiology of the swallow and determining the presence or absence of aspiration (Logemann, 1998; Swigert, 2007). He further states, "The MBSS provides the most thorough information on the physiology of the swallowing process (ASHA, 2004a; Brady & Donzelli, 2013). Pictures of MassTex Imaging, LLC performing our dysphagia consultation, including MBSS are featured in Chapter 18 under Instrumental Evaluation of Swallowing, MBSS
MTI Published
Comfort Food by Joan Kelly Arsenault, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Jane G. R. Musgrave, MS, OTR/L, ASHA Leader | 10-2015
