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Barnes Jewish Hospital Stroke Dysphagia Screen

NeurologyBeta toolThis tool is in beta. It has undergone internal validation but still requires additional testing. Always confirm the data entered and the results obtained before clinical use. It should not be used as the sole basis for clinical decisions.
GCS < 13
Facial asymmetry/weakness present
Tongue asymmetry/weakness present
Palatal asymmetry/weakness present
3-oz water swallow test abnormal/failed

Clinical noticeEducational screening support only. Interpret this bedside screen within an adult acute-stroke clinical pathway; a failed screen requires appropriate formal swallowing evaluation and does not diagnose dysphagia or aspiration.

Context and use

If any stage-1 item is abnormal, the screen fails immediately. If all four stage-1 items are normal, the aggregate 3-oz water swallow test must be recorded: an abnormal/failed test yields fail; a normal test yields pass.

Certifications and Compliance

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