The Duke Swallow Center provides a unique experience for patients of all ages with swallowing disorders, or dysphagia.

We distinguish ourselves in our emphasis and dedication to the rehabilitation of swallowing disorders with an ultimate goal, whenever possible, that patients return to safe, enjoyable, and satisfying eating and drinking.

The Duke Swallow Center is proud to have one of the few speech-language pathologists in North Carolina who is a board-recognized specialist in swallowing (BRS-S). We use a multidisciplinary approach to assess and rehabilitate swallowing disorders that includes members from a wide range of disciplines.

In addition to clinical services, the Duke Swallow Center and its members are involved in a variety of research and academic projects related to swallowing and swallowing disorders. This has led to a number of publications by Duke Swallow Center members including multiple books, chapters, and articles related to dysphagia.

Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program

Children from infants to adolescents can also have dysphagia or swallowing problems. Duke offers a specialized program that addresses the unique needs of our younger patients.

Learn more about the pediatric feeding disorders program.

Rehabilitation and Treatment

Duke Swallow Center is focused on treatment. Our speech-language pathologists provide each patient with an individualized plan to provide the safest eating and drinking possible and experience the highest quality of life they can.

There are many different rehabilitative methods and plans that may fall into one of two categories:

• Rehabilitative approaches: Typically involve physical activities or exercises that aim to improve a swallow problem
• Compensatory approaches: Techniques or strategies that are targeted to compensate for or “make up for” swallowing problem by making the swallow safer while you eat and drink

Often, both approaches are used together to create a comprehensive plan.

Appointments

To make an appointment or get more information about the Duke Swallow Center, please contact us at 919-684-3859.

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center
  2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
• Duke Speech Pathology and Audiology
  Duke Clinic 1I, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710
• Lenox Baker Children's Hospital
  3000 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705