This page has been written by the Speech and Language Therapists at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. The aim of the page is to provide you with information about having a videoswallow.
It is intended for patients who have been referred to our service for this test.
What is a videoswallow?
A videoswallow is an X-ray test. It is also called videofluroscopy. A videoswallow is simply a moving X-ray taken of your swallow.
How can a videoswallow help?
A videoswallow will allow us to see exactly what happens when you swallow. By seeing what happens we can give you the best advice for your particular problem.
Detail medical benefits and the improvements in mobility, social functioning, prognosis, etc that can be expected.
Are there any risks involved in having a videoswallow?
The X-ray exposure for this test is very low - about the same as you would experience by simply living in the UK for between two and six days. We will discuss with you any allergies as some patients who have allergies to fructose or foods products during the assessment will need modifications to be made.
What will happen if I choose not to have videoswallow?
The decision to have this test is entirely yours and you are free to decline. However, this may mean that your therapist is limited in the recommendations they can make for your care.
What alternatives are available?
At this time there are no alternative tests which can provide the same information.
How should I prepare for a videoswallow?
No preparation is needed. You will not need to fast and you will not need to undress for this test. We will provide a gown for you to put over your clothes.
Asking for your consent
We want to involve you in all the decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, by law we must ask for your consent and confirm that you agreed to have the procedure and understand what it involves. Your SLT will discuss this with you during your appointment and also confirm this on the day of the video swallow. Staff will explain all the risks, benefits and alternatives before they ask you are asked to give consent. If you are unsure about any aspect of your proposed treatment, please don’t hesitate to speak with a senior member of staff again.
What happens during a videoswallow?
We will ask you to swallow small amounts of food and drink of different consistencies; for example a thin liquid, mousse and muffin made up from barium mixed with ‘Angel Delight’. Barium shows up black on X-rays and the path of the fluid or food can be clearly seen. The type of food you will be asked to swallow will depend on the problems you are having. Please let us know if you are allergic to any foods.
There are no injections or internal tubes used during this test.
What should I expect after a videoswallow?
The whole procedure takes around half an hour. The Speech and Language Therapist will look at the video in detail and discuss the results with the radiologist, if appropriate.
We aim to give all patients immediate feedback on the day.
If you are an in-patient, the Speech and Language Therapist will talk through the results with you.
If you are an outpatient, a copy of the report will be sent to your consultant and to your local Speech and Language Therapist, if appropriate. You will then have a follow up appointment within four weeks after your videoswallow to discuss the results and any questions you have.
Where can I get more information?
NHS Choices
Provides information about NHS services. You can also leave feedback about your experience at the NHNN : www.
Contact details
Speech and Language Therapists
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG
Direct line: 020 3448 3043
Switchboard: 0845 155 5000
Fax: 020 3448 3711
Website: www.
How to find us
Page last updated: 13 February 2025
Review due: 01 February 2027