Managing Eating Problems After A Stroke

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Introduction

It is common to have trouble swallowing, also called dysphagia, after a stroke. You may not be able to feel food on one or both sides of your mouth. You may have problems chewing or producing enough saliva, or you may have other conditions that make eating difficult and increase your risk of choking.

Other things that may interfere with normal eating include:

• Problems seeing or judging where things are, especially on the side of your body affected by the stroke.
• Problems recognizing familiar objects or remembering how to do everyday things.
• Paralysis or weakness or trouble controlling movements (apraxia).
• Problems with smell, taste, or the sense of feeling.
• Depression, which can cause a loss of appetite and requires treatment.

If you have eating problems after a stroke, you will need a thorough evaluation by a speech therapist or another rehabilitation specialist. You may need special X-rays to see how you are swallowing. As you recover from a stroke, your rehabilitation team will monitor your progress. Swallowing and eating problems often improve over time, but some may last for the rest of your life. However, there are many things you can do to make eating easier.

 What can I do to manage eating problems?

 Why is it important to carefully manage eating problems?

 How do I manage eating problems?

 Where can I learn more about managing eating problems after a stroke?

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Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen