The Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS), also known as the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), is a dynamic X-ray procedure for evaluating swallowing function. During an MBSS, a patient swallows foods and liquids mixed with barium, while a continuous X-ray (fluoroscopy) visualizes the bolus flow through the oral cavity, pharynx, and upper esophagus in real time. This study helps identify dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), airway penetration or aspiration, and other abnormalities in the swallowing mechanism.
Speech-language pathologists often conduct MBSS in collaboration with radiologists to diagnose swallowing disorders and to inform safe feeding strategies and rehabilitation plans for patients.
Martin-Harris, Bonnie, et al. “The Modified Barium Swallow Study for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Recommendations From an Interdisciplinary Expert Panel.” Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups 6, no. 3 (2021): 610–619. Link
