Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia)

Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) for adults is primarily the result of mechanical, muscle, or nerve disorders. Mechanical disorders are most often associated with surgery for cancer. Muscle and nerve disorders may include:

• myasthenia gravis
• muscular dystrophy
• multiple sclerosis
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• stroke
• head injury

Dysphagia also occurs in children and infants.