Relearning the swallowing process.

Three patients were encountered who had physical defects that prevented them from swallowing food. They had received nourishment for a long period of time by means of tube feedings, gastrostomy in two cases and nasogastric tube in the third. Following surgical correction of the physical problems, they were still unable to swallow food. It was conceived that they had forgotten how to swallow. A program to enable them to relearn the technique of swallowing was established, similar to that used in premature infants. The three patients were successfully rehabilitated, able to eat a regular diet. The method is being evaluated in stroke patients who have lost the ability to swallow food and saliva.