Challenges with Oral Mobility and Swallowing Post-Jaw Surgery
Hello everyone,
I’m seeking expert opinions on persistent difficulties concerning chewing, tongue manipulation, taste perception, and swallowing.
About two years ago, I underwent maxillomandibular advancement surgery to address sleep apnea, but I had already been experiencing issues with swallowing and taste prior to this procedure. Since the surgery, these challenges have become even more prominent and limit my daily functions.
My primary concerns include:
- Struggles with repositioning food in my mouth
- Issues in moving food toward the back of my tongue
- Difficulty in creating and managing a proper food bolus
- Inefficient and uncoordinated chewing
- Diminished ability to enjoy or taste food
- While I haven’t experienced any severe choking incidents, I face frequent discomfort and find swallowing to be laborious.
It seems as though the muscles of my tongue, jaw, and throat are not working together seamlessly; eating has turned into a conscious activity rather than an automatic response.
Some additional context about my health includes:
- A history of neck and postural issues
- No prior incidents of stroke, ALS, or any major neurological conditions
- Over time, I’ve noted alterations in tongue positioning and mouth sensitivity
- There hasn’t been significant weight loss, but mealtime has become stressful
- Although these symptoms have been ongoing for several years, they have intensified following the surgery.
Questions I have:
- Is it possible that these symptoms indicate oropharyngeal dysphagia?
- Could there be neuromuscular involvement, possibly tied to cranial nerves, despite the absence of a definitive neurological diagnosis?
- Would it be advisable to undergo a modified barium swallow or a FEES evaluation?
- Should I consult with an ENT specialist, a neurologist, or a speech-language pathologist for further evaluation?
I appreciate any insights you might offer. Thank you!
COPDInternal MedicineEndocrinology