Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in numerous long-term consequences, including swallowing disorders or dysphagia. These disorders may affect swallowing safety, nutritional status, quality of life, and the social and emotional aspects of eating. The aim of this master’s thesis was to determine the extent to which swallowing difficulties persist several years after TBI, how they affect everyday life, and what follow-up care is provided after discharge from rehabilitation. The study employed a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The participants were 22 individuals who had sustained a TBI, undergone rehabilitation, and had a documented diagnosis of dysphagia.
The results showed that 59% of participants continued to report swallowing difficulties several years after the injury, while 54.5% met the screening criterion for suspected dysphagia based on the EAT-10 questionnaire. The most frequently reported difficulties included coughing during or after swallowing, weak or ineffective coughing, and difficulties swallowing liquids, solid food, and tablets. In some participants, swallowing difficulties also affected quality of life and the emotional and social aspects of eating. According to the participants, none had received further treatment for swallowing disorders after discharge from rehabilitation.
The findings indicate that swallowing disorders following TBI may persist for several years after the injury and may significantly affect quality of life. The results highlight the importance of timely recognition of dysphagia, appropriate speech and language therapy, and more systematic long-term follow-up of individuals after TBI.
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