Table 1.

Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (adapted by Gates et al.[23])

0	Normal swallowing
1	Minimal dysphagia	VFFS shows a slight deviation from a normal swallow; impairment limited to oral stage
2	Mild dysphagia swallowing suggestion	Presence of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia; can be treated by means of specific swallowing suggestion
3	Mild to moderate dysphagia	Presence of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia potential for aspiration exists but can be diminished by specific swallowing techniques
4	Moderate dysphagia	Presence of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia; potential for aspiration exists: trace aspiration can be seen at VFSS
5	Severe dysphagia	Presence of aspiration; nothing by mouth is recommended