Breathing and Swallowing Pattern Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Recent data suggest a high prevalence of dysphagia and recurrent aspiration in moderately and severely disabled multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: The study participants included 60 healthy subjects, median age 47 years and 20 moderately to severe disabled patients with multiple sclerosis, presenting with a median EDSS of 5.75 (median age 48 years). A 2-channel computer-assisted system was used to obtain concurrent respiratory and submental surface electromyography signals. Subjects were seated in an upright position and asked to swallow boluses of 5, 10 and 25ml water and 5ml applesauce presented…