Assessment Tool for Stroke-Related Swallowing Difficulties.
Glasgow Dysphagia Score Calculator
Assessment Tool for Stroke-Related Swallowing Difficulties
Understanding the Glasgow Dysphagia Score
The Glasgow Dysphagia Score (GDS) is a clinical tool used to assess and quantify swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in patients following a stroke. It helps healthcare professionals identify patients at risk of aspiration and determine appropriate management strategies.
Importance of Dysphagia Assessment in Stroke
Dysphagia is a common complication after stroke, affecting approximately 50% of patients initially. Proper assessment is crucial because:
- It helps prevent aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication
- It guides decisions about oral intake and nutritional support
- It informs the need for specialized swallowing therapy
- It contributes to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital stays
Components of the Glasgow Dysphagia Score
The GDS evaluates five key components of swallowing function, each scored from 0 to 2:
| Component | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lip Closure | Normal | Weak | Absent |
| Swallow Reflex | Normal | Delayed | Absent |
| Laryngeal Elevation | Normal | Reduced | Absent |
| Pharyngeal Residue | None | Mild to moderate | Severe |
| Cough Response | Normal | Weak | Absent |
Interpretation of Total Score
The total Glasgow Dysphagia Score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe swallowing impairment:
| Total Score | Risk Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Low Risk | Consider oral diet with monitoring |
| 4-6 | Moderate Risk | Modified diet, swallowing therapy |
| 7-10 | High Risk | NPO (nothing by mouth), alternative nutrition |
Note: The Glasgow Dysphagia Score is a screening tool and should be used by trained healthcare professionals. This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not replace clinical assessment by a qualified speech-language pathologist or physician.
Calculate Glasgow Dysphagia Score
Select the appropriate score for each component:
Results
Your calculated Glasgow Dysphagia Score and interpretation will appear here:
Total Glasgow Dysphagia Score
Interpretation
Component Scores
| Component | Score |
|---|---|
| Lip Closure | – |
| Swallow Reflex | – |
| Laryngeal Elevation | – |
| Pharyngeal Residue | – |
| Cough Response | – |
Clinical Recommendations
Complete the assessment to see specific recommendations.
