Videofluoroscopy - Accessible Information for Patients

Speech & Language Department

Author ID: RD SL 011

Version: 3

Date Reviewed: June 2023

Expiry Date: June 2025

What is a Videofluoroscopy?

A Videofluoroscopy is an x-ray of your swallow.

Why do I need a Videofluoroscopy?

• A stroke or brain injury can make your swallowing muscles weak.
• An x-ray will show what you can eat and drink safely.
• Food and drink can go down the wrong way and into your lungs, which can make you ill.

Where is it?

The x-ray department at Wigan or Leigh hospital.

Who will be there?

• Speech and Language Therapists and a Radiographer.
• Students may be there too.
• A family member, friend, or a member of staff can come with you.

How long will it take?

The x-ray will take about 30 minutes.

What should I do before the x-ray?

You can take your tablets as normal.

What will happen?

• You will be given different food and drinks mixed with barium.
• Barium is a powder that gives food a chalky taste and makes it show up on x-ray.
• You will need to listen carefully to the instructions.

Results

• The Speech and Language Therapist will look at the x-ray pictures.
• The Speech Therapist will tell you what you can eat and drink.
• A report will be sent to your Doctor.

Risks

• Food and drink could go into your lungs, which could give you a chest infection. This is a small risk.
• X-ray uses radiation. This is a small risk.

If you don’t have the Videofluoroscopy

• The Speech and Language Therapist won’t know if your swallow is safe.
• The Speech and Language Therapist won’t know the best exercises to give. Exercises can help your swallow get better.
• You can choose not to have the x-ray.

Other Information

• Tell a member of staff if you have any allergies or special diet.
• You can still have the x-ray if you have a pacemaker.

Contact

Speech and Language Therapy Department:

Telephone Number: 01942 807 700

Email: wwl-tr.nutritionandspeechtherapy@nhs.net

Comments, Compliments or Complaints

The Patient Relations/Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Department provides confidential on-the-spot advice, information, and support to patients, relatives, friends, and carers.

Contact Us

Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)

The Patient Relations/PALS Manager
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan WN1 2NN

Ask 3 Questions

Become more involved in decisions about your healthcare. You may be asked to make choices about your treatment. To begin with, try to make sure you get the answers to three key questions:

1. What are my options?
2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?

How We Use Your Information

For details on how we collect, use, and store the information we hold about you, please take a look at our “how we use your information” leaflet which can be found on the Trust website: https://www.wwl.nhs.uk

This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille, and other languages upon request. For more information, please ask in the department/ward.

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Last modified 18th September 2025 05:34:11 am