Could Excessive Drooling Along With Poor Swallowing Be Signs Of A Stroke?

Posted on Mon, 26 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 Answered on

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband {of over 52 years} has developed a problem of constant drooling. Of course it bothers him terribly, especially when we're out with other people. About 3 years ago he developed difficulty swallowing. and they did a special type of x-ray where we could follow the food from his mouth on down. It was fascinating ! The Doctor performing the test said she felt he had had a small stroke and that he could benefit from PT which he did go to for several months. But, being human, he doesn't follow all her recommendments faithfully. And now the problem of constant drooling. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs a neurological examination.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

I am here to answer your query.

I understand your concerns but these drooling and swallowing symptoms are hard to interpret just on the basis of history.

A neurological examination is required, so I suggest to visit a neurologist in person. Stroke may cause such symptoms which can be confirmed with an MRI of the brain.

However, there may be other neurological causes of these symptoms as well, which needs to be guided by a well-taken history and a meticulous neurological examination.

Hope that helps.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Ajay Panwar, Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar