Mendelsohn Maneuver

This is a type of swallowing maneuver that patients are taught to practice if they demonstrate problems swallowing (dysphagia) due to reduced movement of the larynx and reduced opening of the esophagus (i.e., upper esophageal sphincter or UES). Both of these swallow impairments can result in residue within the throat that causes aspiration (i.e., foods or liquids entering the airway/trachea) of this residue. This maneuver has been found to improve laryngeal motion and opening within the UES, resulting in a safer and more efficient swallow.