Fluoroscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FES)

Fluoroscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FES), also known as a modified barium swallow test, is a real-time X-ray procedure that assesses how safely and effectively a person swallows. During the test, the patient drinks a special liquid containing barium, which makes the swallow visible on X-ray. The healthcare provider observes the movement of the tongue, throat muscles, and esophagus to identify any difficulties or abnormalities that could cause choking, aspiration, or nutrition issues. FES helps doctors develop appropriate treatment plans to improve swallowing safety and efficiency, especially in individuals with neurological or structural conditions affecting swallowing function.