Treatments
Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
Evaluates how food and liquids are swallowed using real-time X-ray images. It detects problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, such as aspiration or difficulty swallowing, and is key to planning effective treatments.
The modified barium swallow study is different than a barium swallow study. It is an x-ray exam performed by a physician, a speech pathologist (SLP) and a radiology technician to assess adequate function and problems during the oral and pharyngeal phase of swallowing (when food goes from the lips down to the entrance of the esophagus.) The main objective of this exam is to diagnose dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in the upper aerodigestive tract (oral cavity/throat/entrance of the esophagus), aspiration/penetration (food going into the vocal folds and the trachea). It is also used simultaneously to assess what maneuvers can be done to rehabilitate or improve the patient’s swallowing mechanism. The modified barium swallow exam is a diagnostic study as well as a rehabilitation study.
Frequently asked questions about the treatment
The MBSS is an X-ray imaging study that allows us to evaluate how you swallow different types of food and liquids. It helps us understand how your tongue, throat, and esophagus function during swallowing. Unlike a traditional “barium swallow,” this test focuses on the safety and function of the swallow.
A multidisciplinary team including:
- A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), who leads the clinical evaluation.
- A medical doctor (radiologist).
- A specialized X-ray technician.
- You’ll be asked to swallow foods and liquids of various consistencies (thin liquid, nectar-thick, purée, solid, etc.).
- Each sample is mixed with barium, a safe substance that makes the food visible on X-ray.
- You may be seated or standing, depending on the evaluation needs.
- The study is not painful and usually takes 10–15 minutes.
- The SLP will evaluate the results in real-time and may make immediate recommendations.
Modified Barium Swallow
- Conducted by an SLP
- Observes swallowing from the mouth to the upper esophagus
- Uses real food mixed with barium
- Focused on swallow function and safety
- Typically lasts under 30 minutes
Barium Swallow
- Conducted by a radiologist
- Focuses primarily on the esophagus
- Uses only liquid barium
- Focused on structural anatomy
- Can take up to 60 minutes
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking.
- Sensation of food “getting stuck.”
- Changes in voice when eating (wet or hoarse voice).
- Unexpected weight loss.
- Recurrent pneumonias or respiratory infections.
- Fatigue or difficulty while eating.
- Avoiding meals due to fear of swallowing.
- Barium is safe and not absorbed by the body, but may cause mild constipation.
- The test uses a minimal amount of radiation.
- We recommend staying hydrated and eating high-fiber foods after the procedure.
- No special care is needed.
- You can return to your normal activities right away.
- The SLP will provide personalized recommendations and discuss the findings with you.
Education
Access educational content about voice and swallowing conditions, as well as the treatments available at our centers.
