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. 2015 Nov 20;2(4):357-369.
doi: 10.3233/JND-150122.

Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Pediatric Neuromuscular Diseases: An Overview

Lenie van den Engel-Hoek  1 , Imelda J M de Groot  1 , Bert J M de Swart  1 , Corrie E Erasmus  2
Affiliations

Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Pediatric Neuromuscular Diseases: An Overview

Lenie van den Engel-Hoek et al. J Neuromuscul Dis. .

Abstract

Feeding and swallowing problems in infants and children have a great impact on health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of recognized feeding and swallowing problems in different groups of children with neuromuscular diseases, based on relevant literature and expert opinion, and to propose recommendations for the assessment and treatment of these problems. Almost all pediatric neuromuscular diseases are accompanied by feeding and swallowing problems during the different phases of deglutition, problems that give rise to a wide variety of signs and symptoms, which emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive feeding and swallowing assessment by a speech and language therapist.

Keywords: Pediatric neuromuscular diseases; dysphagia; feeding problems; swallowing phases.

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