Most of us eat and swallow without thinking about what is happening, but swallowing actually is a very complicated process involving the brain, nerves, various muscles, two valves and the esophagus.

The 4 stages of dysphagia range from mild to severe, but no single, universally accepted scale exists. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. It occurs when there is a disruption in one or more ...

The trigger sets subsequent events into motion. The soft palate elevates to seal the nasopharynx to prevent regurgitation (velopharyngeal insufficiency [VPI]). The tongue pushes backward to meet the ...