Introduction:

Dysphagia results from several pathophysiological mechanisms where its symptoms are not static or homogeneous in people, especially when there is neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Objective:

To know the perception and behavior over time of symptoms of dysphagia using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia to visualize the clinical dynamics of this form of dysphagia.

Methodology:

Observational cohort study in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia of neurological and neuromuscular causes with, follow-up at three and six months, and completion of the EAT-10 at baseline, third and sixth month.

Results:

A total of 90 people with baseline evaluation were included, of whom 56.7% (51/90) achieved follow-up at the third month and 25.6% (23/90) at the sixth month. Symptoms of dysphagia with greater self-perception at all three moments were difficulty swallowing solids, sensation of food stuck in the throat and coughing when eating. Odynophagia was not a commonly perceived symptom. The total score of the EAT-10 was between 16.61±9 and 18.1±9.5 points in general. In patients with complete follow-up, variation in self-perception of swallowing liquids and pills was observed. Variation of the score when adjusting for the reception of therapies.

Discussion:

Neurological and neuromuscular diseases directly impact swallowing with mild to profound severity, where self-perception of swallowing symptoms is dynamic, but with cardinal symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia over time.

Conclusions:

The recognition and monitoring of dysphagia symptoms should be usual aspects in the care of patients with neurological and neuromuscular diseases.