About
Dysphagia

Screening & Assessment of Dysphagia

If you have swallowing difficulties, take the quick EAT-10¹ (Eating Assessment Tool) questionnaire to see if you should consult a healthcare professional.

EAT-10¹ (Eating Assessment Tool)

What is the EAT-10?

The EAT-10 is an Eating Assessment Tool which has 10 questions to help measure swallowing difficulties. The EAT-10 questionnaire can be completed in as little as 2 minutes.

How do I use the EAT-10?

• Answer the 10 questions, each answer is assigned a point value.
• Tally the total score.
• If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, you may have problems swallowing efficiently and safely. We recommend discussing the EAT-10 results with a physician.

The EAT-10 may be answered by you or with the help of your caregiver or a healthcare professional.

What comes after the EAT-10?

Dysphagia can be assessed or diagnosed in a number of different ways

Healthcare professionals may use instrumental or non-instrumental methods to test for dysphagia. Non-instrumental methods include checking your medical history, conducting physical and visual examinations, and assessing your ability to swallow different liquids and foods. Instrumental examinations, such as the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) or Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), involve using special tools to examine your swallowing function in more detail. These tests help identify any issues with swallowing and guide appropriate recommendations for management. Your healthcare professional will explain the specific test and its purpose, ensuring you understand the process and any associated risks.

References:

1. Belafsky PC et al. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 2008; ll7(l2):9l9-924