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Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association

In person

Clinical Excellence in Adult Communication & Swallowing Disorders

Three afternoon sessions on locked-in syndrome and recovery, the esophageal sweep during MBS studies, and muscle tension dysphagia and dysphonia.

All events

Schedule

  1. 2pmDeadlocked-A Patient and Therapist's Journey Through the Obstacles of Recovery — Margaret "Maggie" Homer MCD SLP BCS-S & Scott Reddoch
  2. 3pmChecking the Pipes: The Importance of an Esophageal Sweep — Jamie LeBoutillier, MS, CCC-SLP
  3. 4pmAvoiding the volleyball pass: Understanding muscle tension dysphagia and muscle tension dysphonia — Brittany Klein Carlisle, MCD, CCC-SLP

Course description

Course 1: Deadlocked-A Patient and Therapist's Journey Through the Obstacles of Recovery — "Enter into a conversation between an SLP and an individual living with Locked in Syndrome (LiS)" to explore "effective interventions, challenges in navigating the medical system, and compensatory strategies that support self-advocacy."

Course 2: Checking the Pipes: The Importance of an Esophageal Sweep — This course discusses the role of speech-language pathologists in scanning the esophagus during Modified Barium Swallow Studies. It covers method, rationale, and literature related to the esophageal sweep and screening for esophageal dysphagia. Describes how oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing are interrelated. Participants learn to describe esophageal motility or structure issues during MBS studies and relate these to patient symptoms and oropharyngeal swallow. Examples demonstrate importance of esophageal sweep for interdisciplinary care.

Course 3: Avoiding the volleyball pass: Understanding muscle tension dysphagia and muscle tension dysphonia — Muscle tension dysphagia (MTDg) and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) are caused by hyperfunctioning of the larynx. These conditions feature excessive laryngeal muscle tension, leading to inefficient, effortful or uncomfortable swallowing and voice production. These functional disorders occur absent structural or primary neurologic pathology. Patients often present with globus sensation, effortful swallowing, inconsistent dysphagia, hoarseness and vocal fatigue despite largely normal structural neurologic findings. Frequently underdiagnosed and mismanaged. This course provides speech-language pathologists with overview of evaluation, assessment, clinical presentation, and evidence-based informed management.

Learning outcomes and objectives

  • Explain three specific interventions used in speech therapy that significantly improved daily functioning for individuals with LiS/CCN
  • Define the 3 most impactful traits for recovery not taught in undergraduate and graduate degree programs
  • Examine one prevalent myth or bias that may influence speech-language pathologists' perceptions and effectiveness in providing care to patients with LiS/CCN
  • Discuss the rationale and benefits of an esophageal sweep during an MBS study
  • Describe findings and make appropriate referrals following a complete MBS study
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of structural vs motility disorders of the esophagus
  • Define muscle tension dysphagia (MTDg) and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and its pathophysiology in the context of hyperfunctioning
  • Perform comprehensive SLP evaluations for both muscle tension dysphagia and muscle tension dysphonia
  • Demonstrate at least 3 therapeutic techniques targeting reduction of hyperfunctional patterns in both swallowing and voice
  • Identify common clinical signs and patient reported symptoms associated with MTDg and MTD

Speakers

  • Margaret "Maggie" Homer

    Over 15 years of experience in speech-language pathology emphasizing rehabilitation after brain and spinal cord injuries. Clinical Specialist Speech Language Pathology at Touro Hospital, LCMC Health, building programs for patient-centered and evidence-based practices. Lead clinician for the Assistive Technology (AT) Lab at Touro Hospital, promoting early trials and use of assistive technology for return to activities during intensive rehabilitation. Master's degree in communication disorders from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders (2023). Board member of Make Good Nola, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping people and children with special needs, disabilities and chronic conditions through open-sourced and custom assistive devices.

    Financial disclosure:
    Salaried employee of Touro Hospital LCMC Health
    Non-financial disclosure:
    Board member of Make Good Nola 501(c)(3) non-profit

  • Scott Reddoch

    Diagnosed with locked in syndrome, non-verbal and quadriplegic. Uses eye-gaze technology to communicate and write about life with this condition. Founder at AI startup routeskout, a non-profit platform for accessibility navigation. Hybrid employee/volunteer at Make Good, creating 3-D printed designs for mobility-challenged individuals. Consultant to Axion Labs, a tech company designing a non-invasive brain computer interface. Writer at scottreddoch.com and regular contributor of personal stories to various online platforms.

    Financial disclosure:
    Hybrid employee/volunteer at Make Good
    Non-financial disclosure:
    Hybrid employee/volunteer at Make Good

  • Jamie LeBoutillier, MS, CCC-SLP

    Lead outpatient SLP at University Medical Center in New Orleans, specializing in evaluation and treatment of dysphagia and dysphonia including FEES, MBS studies, stroboscopy, tracheal esophageal voice prosthesis fitting, complete decongestive therapy, and radiation-associated dysphagia. Also treats acute care patients daily in a Level 1 trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, and verified burn center. Currently secretary at LSHA and employed by LSUHSC to teach voice. Passionate about teaching and providing current, evidence-based care. Given many lectures during 16-year career to peers, physicians, graduate students, and other ancillary professions. Assisted with bringing national and international education courses to New Orleans. Undergraduate degree from LSU in Baton Rouge; graduate degree from Boston University before returning to New Orleans.

    Financial disclosure:
    No financial disclosures
    Non-financial disclosure:
    Board member of LSHA as Secretary

  • Brittany Klein Carlisle, MCD, CCC-SLP

    Speech-language pathologist with six years of clinical experience specializing in medical speech-language pathology. Currently practices at University Medical Center in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department and acute care settings. Contributed to professional education on national and local levels. Lectured at American Burn Association convention on the role of speech-language pathologists in burn units, highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration and airway, voice and swallowing management. Guest lectured at LSU Health Science Center Speech Language Pathology program on FEES, stroboscopy, and head and neck cancer treatment. Clinical expertise includes head and neck cancer care, laryngectomy management, complex dysphagia management, and various voice disorders.

    Financial disclosure:
    No financial disclosures
    Non-financial disclosure:
    No non-financial disclosures