Predicting Dysphagia-related Complications And Improving Outcomes In Patients Treated With Head And Neck Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,597.00
Summary
This project aims to improve swallow-related quality of life in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy by: 1) Identifying throat muscles, critical to swallowing in order to refine future radiation strategies in order to minimise collateral damage to these critical structures; 2) Improve health care management of post-radiotherapy patients via identification of markers that predict response to therapy; 3) Evaluate a therapy to improve swallow dysfunction
Communication And Swallowing Outcomes In Patients With Acquired And Progressive Neurological Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$426,556.00
Summary
We all talk, eat and drink, but it’s not until we lose these skills that we recognise their importance. Communication & swallowing disorders following from progressive brain disorders such as dementia and ataxia result in daily disadvantage through poor educational and employment outcomes & social isolation. These deficits make the evaluation, long term monitoring and treatment a critical element in disease management.
Translational Studies Of Novel Methods For The Assessment Of Gastrointestinal Motility.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,517.00
Summary
Swallowing has complex physiology and swallowing problems (dysphagia) result in poor nutrition and death due to complications of aspiration. A/Prof Omari has invented a new method to assess swallowing function. The studies proposed will change how dysphagia is diagnosed and managed. The research follows three streams: (A) studies in large patient cohorts in whom a better diagnosis is needed (e.g. stroke), (B) studies of therapies and interventions and (C) studies of swallowing biomechanics.
Cervical Auscultation In The Diagnosis Of Aspiration In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,183.00
Summary
Accurate assessment of aspiration risk is critical to prevent respiratory illness & recurrent hospitalisations in children.Current clinical tests have poor reliability in detecting aspiration.Cervical auscultation(CA) is a portable,low-cost instrumental technique that may improve the accuracy of clinical test.This research aims to determine accuracy & reliability of CA in detecting aspiration, compared to objective radiological evaluations.CA may improve aspiration detection & subsequently minim ....Accurate assessment of aspiration risk is critical to prevent respiratory illness & recurrent hospitalisations in children.Current clinical tests have poor reliability in detecting aspiration.Cervical auscultation(CA) is a portable,low-cost instrumental technique that may improve the accuracy of clinical test.This research aims to determine accuracy & reliability of CA in detecting aspiration, compared to objective radiological evaluations.CA may improve aspiration detection & subsequently minimise health system costs.Read moreRead less
Influence Of Cortical Stroke And Experimental Brain Stimulation On Excitability Of Human Corticobulbar Motor Projections And Swallowing Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,183.00
Summary
Swallowing disorders often result from damage to the brain. They have profound consequences on patient health and quality of life and result in significant medical and socioeconomic costs. This project firstly investigates how motor networks in the brain control the muscles involved in swallowing and how this control is affected by stroke. Secondly, it evaluates the potential of novel interventions to improve impaired swallowing function following stroke by reorganising motor networks.
Use Of Innovative Mobile Telehealth Technology To Enable A New Service Delivery Solution For Dysphagia Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,231.00
Summary
Dysphagia, the term used to describe a swallowing difficulty, affects up to 30% of people over 65 years of age. Speech pathologists are responsible for diagnosing and managing dysphagia, however there is a shortfall between the number of clinicians available and the large number of individuals with this condition. The study aims to validate a way to assess dysphagia using telehealth, to increase access to speech pathology services particularly for patients in rural health settings.