Prognosis

A delayed or absent swallowing reflex on admission increases the risk of continued swallowing problems, a chest infection or aspiration. ^a

Why?

Swallowing problems increase the risk of chest infection

Patient	Prognostic Factor	Outcome	CER	OR (95% CI)	NNF+ (95% CI)
first stroke a	delayed/absent swallowing reflex independent	chest infection at 6 months	22%	11.8 (3.30 to 49.6)	2 (2 to 4)