User:Hopeless308/swallowtest

Swallow test

Purpose

The swallow test tests for cervical spine obstructions or tumors in the anterior cervical spine regions.

Procedure

The patient should sit while the examiner stands next to the patient. Then the patient is asked to swallow.

Mechanism

The patient will swallow.

Results

Increased pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Notes

Check to see the patient's head is in a neutral position because swallowing becomes more difficult when the neck is extended.

Reference

Konin, Jeff G., Denise L. Wiksten, Jerome A. Isear, and Holly Brader. Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination. 3rd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Incorporated. 2006. 19. Print.