A must have for SLP's working with dysphagia

books:

	• Evaluation and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders Jeri A. Logemann Pro-Ed, 1997 - 406 pages average customer review:based on 4 reviews view larger image
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Excellent text on Dysphagia

It is unfortunate that some reviewers of this book hold such a myopic view. I own this book and find myself referring this and other similar texts, such as "Deglutition and its Disorders" by Adrienne Perlman and Konrad Schulze-Delrieu, frequently. Clearly, not all individuals with dysphagia benefit from dysphagia therapy. In my humble opinion, the skills to identify patients who can benefit from SLP intervention for management of dysphagia and knowing what aspects to work on is a result of a good foundation in this speciality, ongoing continuing education, and direct clinical experience. A good measure of curiousity would help as well. Anyone who wants to learn about dysphagia would best benefit from a graduate level course that deals exclusively with the subject. Unfortunately, not all universities have a dysphagia program. Students are often left to fend themselves. I feel strongly that all SLPs working with individuals with dysphagia should attend on site CE classes offered by well known practitioners, regularly. The field is truly very broad, and a comprehensive review of the system from different perspectives definitely helps me improve my diagnostic and therapeutic skills. I find the following websites particularly useful to find CE courses - [...]

I consider Dr. Logemann's book a very good introduction to the subject. I was fortunate to have attended her course in San Diego a few years back and I was able to seek clarification on various issues presented in the book.

The first few chapters explain typical anatomical structures, such as the muscles involved in swallow, cranial nerve function, the sequence of muscular action that bring about a swallow, and the events following introduction of various types/textures of food in the mouth. Dr. Logemann distinguishes clearly between an oral phase and a pharyngeal phase of swallow. (Some researchers, question this distinction and consider the swallow process more along a continuum, rather than as two distinct phases). Typical changes in swallow with age are explained.
Chapter 3 explains various instrumental evaluation techniques briefly.

Chapter 4 deals with disorders of swallow. (I find the table on page 73 comparing patient description to actual symptoms during a bedside screen and radiographic study particularly useful. It helped me a lot to watch videotaped radiographic studies of swallows as I read this chapter.)

Chapter 5 describes screening and evaluation procedures. (I like the quick screen checklist on page 137. I use a modified version of this form.) This chapter also describes assessment of patients dependent on tracheostomy tube, and contrasts it with patients who are intubated. As in many other texts, assessment procedures discussed in this chapter assume that the patient is able to interact/participate in the evaluation process, at least moderately. I would like to see more information on swallow assessment of patients with various levels of dementia in a future edition of this book. Refer Lou Eaves' course - check the nss-nrs website mentioned earlier.)

Chapter 6 looks at treatment planning and the important determination of whether the patient will benefit from therapy considering case history and other factors. Also included is a general guideline to decide on oral vs. non-oral feeding. The use of compensatory strategies such as postural changes, and diet modification guidelines with rationale for their use are provided. Various types/examples of direct (ex. - swallow of saliva), and indirect (ex. - oromotor exercise) therapy are provided for oral and pharyngeal stage swallow.

Chapter 7 and 8 describe various surgical procedures for oral and pharyngeal stage cancer, associated reconstruction techniques, neurological conditions such as Guillan-Barre and Poliomyelitis, resulting swallowing disorders and rehab strategies for these populations.

Chapter 10 addresses parkinson's disease, ALS, MS, Myasthenia Gravis and other degenerative diseases and suggests rehab strategies.

Chapter 11 explains medical procedures for various pharyngeal stage swallow dysfunction, such as cricopharyngeal myotomy to permanently open the upper esophageal sphincter, followed by an explanation of when such procedure is used.

Chapter 12 follows a question and answer format. Some frequently asked questions on clinical decision making are discussed, such as - When should a patient receive an in-depth diagnostic assessment? The last chapter discusses the role of the many members in an interdisciplinary dysphagia management team.

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The classic text for dysphagia

Logemann and dysphagia are synonymous. Anyone even thinking of working with dysphagia patients needs this book in their library. Everyone refers to it. Everyone teaches from it. Everyone uses it when they need to brush up on their dysphagia knowledge. So what are you waiting for? Buy it!! Unlike many technical writers, Logemann writes well and only uses as much jargon as is absolutely necessary. I found this readable and as invaluable as I had been told that it was. There are only a few truly seminal researchers/therapists in the field of speech-language pathology and Logemann is one of them.

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What a deal!

This book is just what I needed. Brand new condition! Arrived right on time. Much cheaper than University Bookstore. Thanks.

A must have for SLP's working with dysphagia

This book was my bible during my medical externship practicum. I relied on this book a lot as a clinical reference and it saved my life! It gives good information and good treatment techniques for dysphagia therapy. Another book I would highly recommend for dysphagia therapy is "The Source Book for Dysphagia".