Improvement of Dysphagia in Traumatic Neurovascular Compression: A Case Report and Collective Review

Author: Yong Kyun KIM ¹ ; Yun Jung LEE ; Yong Seob JO ; Jung Hyun CHA
Author Information

1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Myongji Hospital, Goyang, Korea
Publication Type:Case Report
From: Journal of the Korean Dysphagia Society 2020;10(1):123-129
CountryRepublic of Korea
Abstract: Dysphagia is a relatively rare symptom of neurovascular compression of the lower cranial nerve (CN). Many case reviews of neurovascular compression required surgical treatment to improve the neurological symptoms. This report presents a 75-year-old female patient who complained of dysphagia due to neurovascular compression of CNs IX-XI at the left side after the onset period. The symptom was improved by treating with balloon swallowing rehabilitation (BSR). In a video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), no significant manifestations were observed in the oral phase. On the other hand, profuse post-swallow residue decreased pharyngeal propulsion were observed without aspiration or penetration during the semisolid portion of the swallowing test. To reduce the pharyngeal remnant and improve pharyngeal propulsion, the BSR protocol was performed and the patient recovered quickly.Follow-up VFSS showed improvement in the post-swallow residue from 42.6 to 7.3%. After discharge, the patient could resume a normal diet without complications. Based on this observed result, it is advantageous to consider the option of a prescribed rehabilitation program over surgical treatment.