Incidence of Aspiration and Dysphagia in Geriatric Trauma Patients.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2025

Abstract

BackgroundTrauma is a leading cause of death worldwide. Dysphagia and aspiration are potential sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet these conditions are not always readily apparent. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a bedside procedure enabling real-time diagnosis of swallowing dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of dysphagia and aspiration in geriatric TBI patients, identify associated risk factors, and ultimately establish specific indications for FEES as a method of formal swallowing evaluation.MethodsA retrospective review was completed on all geriatric (65 or older) trauma patients evaluated in our level I trauma center from July 2021 to July 2023 who had a TBI defined by Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) head ≥3. Rates of dysphagia and aspiration were collected in addition to risk factors and associated clinical characteristics. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed with significance defined by a

Volume

91

Issue

8

First Page

1244

Last Page

1250

ISSN

1555-9823

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

40518660

Department(s)

Department of Education

Document Type

Article

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