Swallowing

[Tazwaz]

I know swallowing with ataxia is a symptom not had a problem till now does it affects your food pipe and do you get pain

[edfosho]

It can affect everyone differently - there are so many complex muscle movements around that area. If you do notice anything different, make sure you're referred to a speech and language therapist (I only learnt a few years ago that they also deal with swallowing issues!) They can advise on techniques to manage your swallowing, and they can help you identify foods you can eat safely and foods you should avoid.

I don't have pain, but I do have very minor issues swallowing if I don't take my time and eat things in smaller chunks. Also, regularly taking a sip of water or a drink whilst eating helps me a lot. Like the rest of the body, the muscles can get fatigued too (so take a break whilst eating if you need to and don't rush).

[wobblybee]

🙂 If this is causing you concern..speak to your GP for reassurance.

I know someone diagnosed with ataxia, who has swallowing issues and is diagnosed with Achalasia.

Swallowing problems may be due to a problem with the esophagus, such as:

Achalasia

Esophageal spasms

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Inflammation of the esophagus

Nutcracker esophagus

Ulcer in the esophagus, especially due to tetracyclines (antibiotic), aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxyn

mountsinai.org/health-libra...

[Hickox in reply to wobblybee]

About a year ago you wrote a post about (I think) having vertigo on top of Ataxia and you used a term I now don't remember. I'm beginning to have few-second bouts of Vertigo which my neurologist (an expert in Ataxia) says isn't part of the Ataxia picture. Could you elaborate on what you said in that post. Did you find any treatment for it?

[Tazwaz in reply to Hickox]

Ì never wrote about vertgo never suffered with it sorry

[Hickox in reply to wobblybee]

wobblybee - About a year ago you wrote a post about (I think) having vertigo on top of Ataxia and you used a term I now don't remember. I'm beginning to have few-second bouts of Vertigo which my neurologist (an expert in Ataxia) says isn't part of the Ataxia picture. Could you elaborate on what you said in that post. Did you find any treatment for it?

[wobblybee in reply to Hickox]

🤔 I may have referred to PPPD

menieres.org.uk/information...

I’ve been told by a Specialist in Vestibular Disorders that..this isn’t a diagnosis itself, but rather a collection of symptoms that relate to something else.

🤔 I may have mentioned..DeJa Vu

This causes ‘recall’ and seconds of dizziness…and can be linked to Epilepsy. also Silent Migraine.

pennmedicine.org/updates/bl...

🤔 I was diagnosed with BBPV…this caused dizziness turning over in bed.

menieres.org.uk/information...

[Tallguy101]

Hi Unfortunately this is a part of ataxia, I can echo with what edfosho has said about speech and langauge therapists helping with swallowing strategies. Also eating smaller mouthfulls and chewing properley. Also I agree with taking water little and often whilst eating. I find that if I don't it feels like the food is getting stuck in my throat, strangely giving me hiccups! I particularly find this with potatoe. The food that I tend to struggle with most is granola, I do have to put up with the occasional choking fit because I do like it, I've just learned to eat slower, smaller mouthfulls, drink in between etc... I hope you find some solutions for you, take care.

[Ginger1]

I have had swallowing issues for many years. As Edfosho said, either speak to your GP or Neurologist to be referred to a speech and language therapist to advise you on what's best in your situation.

From my perspective I always ensure I have a drink whilst eating. If I am out and have a drink, I use a straw. Indoors I use a lidded cup with a spout. I take smaller bites of food, chewing each bite well & mix well with saliva. Foods have to always be moist & I use a lot of sauces.

You'll find the best way for you but try not to talk too much whilst you're eating, as you need to concentrate on the one thing & not choke. You may find you cough a lot. Take your time - it's not a race!

Best of luck 😋

[DeniseLB]

I luckily don't get it very often, but when I do it scares the hell out of me and hurts a lot, I did get some help and you have to try and stay calm. Not easy, but it does pass I was told that I am okay and just need to cope with it. I know some people get it a lot worse than me, but I am still here. There is help out there, I got help through physio and they went through everything with me. I guess you do have to start with your GP, but you can approach physio yourself as I did.

look after yourself. D.

[slipsandtrips]

I also have swallowing symptoms I do also experience pain but 'think I panic at the time. I take smaller pieces and sips of water when eating. I sometimes get a choking fits too, however I have had a referral to the speech and language for advice and management,

[7151]

I have lots of trouble swolowingTakes me at least 1 hr to eat à proper meal ,i ve lost 8 kilos.

My dr has prescibed fluide alternatives from thé pharmacie .

[Tazwaz in reply to 7151]

do you have a problem when not eating just swallowing

[7151 in reply to Tazwaz]

Its basicaly when eating even though somtimes i loose my voice if i talk too much and very rare i start choking

[7151]

I have days when food just dosent go down like its stuck , i belive it is another part of antaxia ..i now have complètement fruit juce with everything my body needs ..takes me at least à hr to eat à meal ( like christmas dinner) xxx