Actually, I just realized the name I gave initially was correct...video fluoriscope swallow study. The FEESST is something completely different and not what I was referring to. The fluoriscope study would be best for initial assessment of swallowing problems, especially if aspiration or mechanical problems are a concern. It's completely non-invasive and results are immediate. But again if motility is the concern, then manometry is the way to go.

Yes, if you are having issues with aspiration its something with the Vocal Folds and or UES. So Yes that will be best to determine. Again, if thats the case you have something with Vocal Folds either Paresis are partial. My right vocal cord is completely paralyzed. Thank god it got stuck in a way that the left can compensate to close with the right otherwise I would aspirate.

@dea:

There are a lot of informative posts here for you to read and learn about all the testing that is out there.

But in my experience, a doctor will hesitate to use them unless
there are symptoms that are persistent and serious.

Most doctors wait and see how much you complain, and it would
help for you to keep track of all the swallowing problems daily.
Say 3 times on Sunday--log the times and type of food
or 4 times on Monday--log the times and type of food.
etc. When you present a listing of persistent uncomfortable
incidents, THEN you may get further evaluation. If you were in a nursing facility or hospital, a nurse would be logging these times. Since you are at home, you need to keep a record yourself so your doctor can see and evaluate whether you are having troubles needing interventions.

The first two symptoms I had that eventually pointed to PN were difficulty swallowing and dizziness. After a basic blood test I saw the ear nose and throat doctor. I had some fluid in my ears, but it didn't end up being the cause of the dizzines. Other tests were also negative.

My acid reflux was suspect for the throat swallowing issue. I had an upper GI about a year before these symptoms showed up and all was normal. So they did an esphogram which consists of swallowing barium and watching it on a monitor. Also normal. (Please note this test is not as reliable as an endoscopy/upper GI)

The tingling in the toes and hands followed shortly thereafter.

Now about 2-1/2 years later I know my body much better. When I get a flare up, symptoms are a mix of all of these PN traits. Not necessarily all of them at the same time, but combinations of them that vary with each flare up.

Fortunately the swallowing issues don't come on much anymore. If it does, then it only lasts a day or two. Same with the dizziness for the most part. There are exceptions in duration, but they are rare.

Difficulty swallowing is a huge concern. It could be a sign of esphogus cancer. It is rare, but deadly. Please have it checked out. An endoscopy is definetly the way to go for testing. Good luck!

When I was going through my problems with swallowing, I suspected the cause was the Fosamax I had been taking as I knew some people had this type of reaction to it; that's why you were supposed to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill first thing in the morning. This cause was never confirmed however. I, too, drank the barium while the doctor watched on the monitor, and he told me the suspected problem immediately.

When tracking the daily/weekly episodes, it would probably be a good idea to keep track of the medications you're taking at the same time, for future reference.

[The meaning the word had according to my Upper GI meant difficulity in swallowing, not to do with the brain. I am being screened for thoat cancer every six months with biopsy and endoscopy. Also had my thoat dialated to help. He does not know the cause for me as of yet. I am not sure I want the next test. You wear a tube in your nose to your stomach for 24 hours. The thing is there may be nothing they can do, even if they pinpoint the cause of my trouble swallowing. I will look in the spelling of my records. I do have a copy of my biopsy, it is just the drs. writing is not so good. ginnie

Hello, and thanks for your responce. Please tell me what manometry is, and the TEESST, and the fluoriscope test involves. What is the one that you wear a tube to your nose and stomach for 24 hours? I am being asked to take that one. I am questioning all these tests. thanks ginnie

I have had two endoscopy and two biopsy for thoat cancer and swallowing problems. I have had this for over 5 years and I am at a stand still. I need to know more about this test he wants me to do and he didn't give me the name of it. You first have a tube to your nose and stomach for a short time, then you wear this tube for 24 hours, was the discription he gave me. I am calling into question all the tests that could help diagnosis me, the less invasive to me the better, as I am batteling other medical problems that are serious at the same time at this problem. I have to have another surgery, and also take my family to court. I am trying to be easy on myself, while still receiving help. I wonder why he ordered or asked me to do this particular test. The name of this test is not on my report. thanks Mrs.D ginnie PS also had throat dialated with no success.

Ginnie,

Here's a link about manometry that makes it easier than explaining.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003884.htm

The Fluoriscopic swallow study sounds like what you had done when you swallowed the barium WHILE the radiologist watched on a screen. usually they give you thick & thin liquid barium as well as barium pills to swallow and crackers with barium. This way they can see your swallowing with different types of substances.

The FEESST link has lots of info with links on the left with more information.

http://www.feesst.com/

Hope this is helpful.

So sorry you are sick! I absolutely hate getting the stomach flu. I hope you get better soon. It is hard on a person when more than one issue presents. Yes I like leaning the terms too. Mostly to get an understanding on what the doctors tell us. I can't make an informed answer unless I understand what is required. I am one of these people who has to evaluate if I should have a test or not and then be evaluated after the education. I have never submitted to a test unless I understand first. Get well soon and I hope the rest of this coming spring allows you to stay healthier. ginnie