Eating Issues After Traumatic Brain Injury

As many of us already know many Spinal Cord Injuries are caused due to trauma and road traffic accidents. Sadly for some individuals in addition to suffering SCI many they may also suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to the impact at the accident.

I was reading some articles earlier as i have been interested to learn about associated issues that can be part of this injury. I stopped at this article that focused on eating issues post injury especially because i hadnt even thought of this issue...
If i have understood correctly the issue is caused by a dysfunction in the Esophagus known as Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Dysfunction. After admission to hospital there is an assessment and scoring system to identify the problem. Click Source to read more.

The article goes on to explain that after a serious TBI it isnt uncommon for eating to be a problem and it can either be mild or on the other hand can seriously endanger the individuals health.
With even a mild problem in this area it can cause embarrassment socially.

Some difficulties can be:
Dribbling food or have trouble chewing if the muscles in your mouth are weak.

Coughing or choking due to weakness or poor timing when you swallow.

Liquids may be harder to swallow than solids because they run down your throat too fast.

If food or liquid go into your airway instead of your stomach, pneumonia is a potential risk



I was however slightly disappointed to find that actual practical advice on this was quite limited. I would imagine that being presented with easier to chew food..or mashed...depending on severity would be necessary. Learning to eat again and eat safely and chew safely may be required also. 

I will certainly look for more advice on this but i would imagine that the rehab team would have this covered at the time of being hospitalized or rehabilitated.

Maybe rehabilitation looks at facial exercises that can help....

source