In a patient with a lateral medullary stroke, which swallow impairment is likely observed in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study?

In a patient with a lateral medullary stroke, the impairment most likely observed in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study is the impaired opening of the upper esophageal sphincter. This type of stroke can affect various cranial nerves and brainstem functions that are crucial for the coordination of swallowing.

The lateral medullary region is associated with areas that control autonomic functions and swallowing mechanisms, specifically influencing the ability to coordinate the sequential movements required to open the upper esophageal sphincter. If this function is impaired, the patient may experience difficulty in initiating the swallow process, leading to a sensation of food becoming stuck and resulting in aspiration or other swallowing complications.

Other swallow impairments like incomplete clearance from the oral cavity or anterior loss of bolus contents may occur due to other factors, such as weakened oral musculature or reduced sensory input, which are not specifically tied to the neurological deficits resulting from a lateral medullary stroke. Nasopharyngeal regurgitation can result from issues with the pharyngeal phase of swallowing but is less likely to be a direct result of the specific impairments associated with this type of stroke. Thus, impaired opening of the upper esophageal sphincter is the most characteristic finding in the