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Dysphagia causes are numerous, as swallowing is complex, and a number of conditions can interfere with this process. Generally speaking, the cause of a swallowing problem can be broken down into two main areas: a functional change, affecting the complex swallowing mechanism, or a physical change causing a blockage. The most common neurological cause of dysphasia is stroke, but other causes include traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other degenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, progressive supranuclear palsy, Huntington’s disease, and myasthenia gravis. Age also plays a role with changes in strength, sensitivity, and function. In addition, esophageal muscles can become discoordinated. There could be spasm or failure to relax, leading to swallowing issues. Dehydration, side effects from medications also contribute. Sometimes we can’t find the cause of dysphasia, and any cause that causes weakness of muscles and nerves can also contribute.
