swallowing, talking difficulty

[loufer]

I am seeking an cause for a 65+ woman to all of a sudden have trouble swallowing, moving food around with her tongue and talking.  She was in the hospital for 3 days having a battery of tests and no known cause for symptoms.  I suggested an allergist and they prescribed a nasal spray to dry up her sinuses from dripping down her throat but it doesnt seem to be helping.  She can eat only liquids and is VERY frustrated and depressed that no one has take the initiative to find the cause for her affliction.  I manage a retirement community and she is one of our residents.

[loufer]

thank you so much for your response, she will be so delighted with suggestions and that people care.  I am so anxious for her.  I will keep you posted.

[caregiver222]

Drnee has provided excellent advice. Another  possibility is Parkinson's disease, however the sudden onset is not a typical presentation. "Tongue diagnosis" involves sticking the tongue out and noting if it is on one side or the other or can't come out at all. In a stroke situation at that age there is usually improvement. You need an evaluation by a swallow specialist, who will determine whetheror not the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is involved. Avoidance of chocolate and caffeine (which contain methylxanthines) will help a tiny bit. Try some pureed food ( a tiny bit) spiced with hot sauce to determine if there is any improvement in swallowing. It is very difficult to keep hydrated with this problem and a meticulous track of fluid intake is mandated. Orange juice with lots of pulp is better than juice without pulp. Tell her not to give up hope. This is not necessarily a permanent condition. The brain has lots of redundancy.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
Difficulty in talking, swallowing and moving the food around indicates a paralysis of tongue, which usually occurs due to damage or injury to hypoglossal nerve. There are two hypoglossal nerves and simultaneous damage of both the nerves is rare and can be detected by the inability to protrude the tongue out.
Usually a stroke is suspected. At times ‘vertical subluxation of the odontoid’ process of the first cervical vertebra or atlas is the cause. Hence a MRI of the upper cervical spine should be done.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[ladeanjanel]

First thing that comes to mind is stroke, but if she has been in the hospital for 3 days they would have ruled that out first.  I would see if you can obtain a copy of the tests and thier results and then seek treatment at a different hospital or PCP, taking the copy along with you.  Persistance is going to be your best friend for finding an answer for her.  Until then, my hopes and prayers are with both of you and her family.  Keep us updated, please.