Difficulty swallowing affects safety, nutrition, and quality of life. Whether caused by a neurological condition, structural change, or aging, expert evaluation and therapy can make mealtimes safe and comfortable again.
Evidence-based care from Amanda Smith, MS, CCC-SLP — 10+ years of clinical experience in Sandy Springs, GA.
🛡️
Safer Swallowing
Targeted exercises and compensatory strategies reduce aspiration risk — keeping food and liquid out of the airway and protecting against aspiration pneumonia.
🍽️
Return to Normal Diet
Our goal is always the least restrictive, most nutritious diet that is safe for you — not to keep patients on pureed foods longer than necessary.
🔬
Thorough Evaluation
Understanding what happens during your swallow requires detailed assessment across food and liquid textures, not a surface-level screening.
How It Works
What to Expect
01
Clinical Swallowing Evaluation
Thorough oral motor testing and functional swallowing trials across textures to identify the nature and severity of the swallowing difficulty.
02
Instrumental Assessment if Needed
When imaging is indicated, we coordinate with your physician for a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBS) or FEES to characterize swallow physiology precisely.
03
Personalized Treatment Program
Therapy targets the specific physiological impairment — exercises such as effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuver, shaker, and thermal-tactile stimulation.
04
Diet Advancement & Caregiver Training
We advance texture using IDDSI guidelines and train caregivers in safe feeding strategies throughout the process.
Is This Right for You?
Dysphagia Treatment Is Appropriate For:
✓
Coughing or choking during or after meals
✓
A sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
✓
Recurrent pneumonia (possible sign of aspiration)
✓
Drooling or difficulty managing saliva
✓
Slow eating, food avoidance, or unexplained weight loss
✓
Parkinson's disease, stroke, ALS, head/neck cancer, or dementia
✓
Post-surgical changes to the head, neck, or esophagus
Dysphagia can be caused by Parkinson's disease, stroke, ALS, dementia, head/neck surgery or cancer treatment, GERD, aging-related muscle changes, or pediatric developmental differences.
It can be. The most serious risk is aspiration — food or liquid entering the airway — which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Early evaluation and treatment significantly reduce this risk.
A clinical evaluation includes detailed case history, oral motor assessment (lips, tongue, jaw), and swallowing trials with different textures. It typically takes 45-60 minutes.
Yes, often significantly. The extent depends on the underlying cause and severity. Most patients with neurological conditions or post-surgical changes achieve meaningful functional gains.
Dysphagia treatment is typically covered by major plans including Medicare when medically necessary. We recommend verifying benefits before your first appointment.
Don't Wait on Swallowing Concerns
Swallowing difficulties worsen without treatment. Schedule an evaluation at our Sandy Springs clinic — in person or via telehealth.
