Rehabilitation

Speech & Swallowing Therapy

Maximizing Communication and Swallow Function

If you or a loved one has an illness, injury, or other disorder that affects communication, cognition, or swallowing abilities, a speech-language pathologist can help. The speech and swallowing specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens care for people with a wide range of diseases and conditions using the latest technologies and research.

Learn more about speech and swallowing therapy.

What Causes Speech & Swallowing Problems?

Communication may be impaired by:

• Stroke
• Neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease
• Respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Tracheostomy and ventilator dependence
• Dementia
• Laryngeal cancer
• Oral cancer
• Traumatic brain injury

Learn more about adult and children speech language pathology.

Swallowing problems may be caused by:

• Neurological conditions, such as stroke, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy
• Respiratory problems that affect the coordination between breathing and swallowing
• Trauma, such as head injuries
• Infectious and inflammatory causes, such as viral conditions and acid reflux
• Structural abnormalities including diverticula, esophageal strictures, or tumors
• Medication-induced abnormalities related to antipsychotic, muscle relaxant, or anticholinergic drugs

Feeding and swallowing problems may also be caused by:

• Prematurity or low birth weight
• Heart disease
• Cleft lip or palate
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual disability
• Muscle weakness in the face and neck
• Medicines that affect arousal or hunger
• Sensory impairment
• Behavior problems

Signs & Symptoms of Swallowing Problems

You or your loved one may have a swallowing problem if any of the following signs are present:

• Difficulty controlling saliva or food in the mouth
• Difficulty accepting food in the mouth
• Refusing feeding
• Difficulty chewing
• Coughing before, during, or after swallowing
• Frequent upper respiratory infections
• Pneumonia (resulting from overt and silent aspiration)
• A gurgling or “wet” voice after food or liquid intake
• Pain upon swallowing
• Regurgitation of food or liquid after meals

Learn more about feeding and swallowing therapy services for adults and children.

Why Choose Us

The certified speech language pathologists and swallowing specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens work with you and your referring physician to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to you. Make an appointment today for a consultation.