Dysphagia and Deglutition Clinic

The Johns Hopkins Dysphagia and Deglutition Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for patients having swallowing difficulties.

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Conditions We Treat | Our Team | Patient Education | Care Locations

Schedule an Appointment: 443-997-6467

Conditions We Treat

Our experts work together to help patients with swallowing difficulties, including issues relating to:

Neurological disorders
Salivary gland dysfunction
Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI)

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Our team will confirm diagnosis by conducting swallowing evaluations, including:

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
Flexible laryngoscopy
Modified barium swallow study (videofluoroscopic swallow study, cinepharyngoesophagram)
Sialendoscopy
Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE)

Why Choose the Johns Hopkins Dysphagia and Deglutition Clinic

Following an evaluation, a comprehensive management plan is created, tailored for each patient. This may include surgical, medical and/or behavioral approaches to treatment. The clinic has access to the latest treatment options, including:

Diagnostic esophagoscopy
Esophageal dilation
Swallowing therapy using behavioral and strengthening approaches

A speech therapist checks a man's throat.

Meet Our Team

Meet our multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping those with swallowing difficulties.

Rina Abrams, MS
- Speech Language Pathologist
Expertise: Speech-Language Pathology
James H. Clark, MBBChBAO
- Co-Director, Johns Hopkins Dysphagia and Deglutition Clinic
Expertise: Otolaryngology

Patient Education

Have a better understanding about dysphagia, its symptoms and treatment options.

Dysphagia

Swallowing requires the complex coordination of muscle contractions between the mouth, tongue, throat and esophagus. Dysphagia results when one or more of these areas does not function properly due to trauma, surgical nerve or muscle damage, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.
Dysphagia: What Happens During a Bedside Swallow Exam

A bedside swallow exam is a test to see if you might have dysphagia. Find out what to expect during this diagnostic test.
Transnasal Esophagoscopy

Transnasal esophagoscopy is a test that helps your doctor diagnose and treat problems of your esophagus and stomach.
Fiberoptic Evaluation of Swallowing

A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) test is a procedure used to assess how well you swallow.