ToolsCalculators
Barnes-Jewish Hospital stroke dysphagia screen
Bedside screen for aspiration risk after acute stroke.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital stroke dysphagia screen
GCS <13 (unable to participate)
Facial, tongue or palatal asymmetry/weakness
Any sign on the 3-ounce water swallow test
Cough, throat-clearing or voice change during/after drinking, or inability to complete.
ResultPassed screen
Low aspiration risk; an oral diet may be started per clinical judgement.
When to use
- Nurse-administered aspiration screen before oral intake in acute stroke.
Formula
Fail if GCS <13, or any facial/tongue/palatal asymmetry, or any sign on a 3-ounce water swallow test. Otherwise pass.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Preliminary items are checked first; any positive stops the screen and the patient fails without the water test.