The Ability of DYMUS and EAT-10 to Detect Pharyngeal Residue, Penetration, and Aspiration in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the ability of the Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (DYMUS) and the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) to detect pharyngeal residue, penetration, and aspiration in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (IwMS). Methods: Between March 2024 and January 2025, 108 IwMS were included in the evaluation. Participants first completed the DYMUS and EAT-10. Then, three consistencies were prepared by a Speech and Language Pathologist from the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI), and participants were evaluated with fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing evaluation (FEES) and the Penetration and Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Yale Pharyngeal Residual Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS) were used. Results: DYMUS and EAT-10 were found statistically significant for detecting individuals with and without residue across different anatomical areas, with and without penetration, and with and without aspiration in three different consistencies (p < 0.001). Conclusion: DYMUS (Pharyngeal residue and penetration; if >= 2, and aspiration if >= 3) and EAT-10 (Penetration; if >= 11, residue if >= 13, and aspiration if >= 15) can efficiently prioritize comprehensive swallowing evaluation in IwMS.