Table 3 Dysphagia classification, description of disorders and symptoms

Neurogenic dysphagia in the vegetative state

Typical of patients who present a permanent vegetative state

Neurogenic dysphagia from cognitive/behavioural deficit

Patients whose cognitive/behavioural deficits have a decisive effect on their ability to feed by mouth

Neurogenic dysphagia for fluids

Patients are able to eat by mouth with a free diet

These patients present dysphagia for fluids and it is essential to introduce thickened liquids, with Aquagel, through parenteral or enteral therapy (NG-tube or PEG).

Mixed neurogenic dysphagia

Patients are not able to safely take more than one consistency

Patients who are fed with a semisolid diet and take thickened liquids, with Aquagel or through parenteral or enteral therapy (NG-tube or PEG) fall into this category.

Neurogenic dysphagia for solids

Patients are fed with a semisolid diet and fluids are administered by mouth

The subject cannot eat foods with a solid consistency due to inability to chew, difficulty in forming the bolus or inhalation. Dysphagia must be determined by a neurological and not a mechanical deficit.