Faces Of Tbi

Certain neurological conditions, including stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease, cause muscles in the head and neck to have decreased strength, range of motion, coordination and/or speed, which can result in dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty or discomfort when swallowing. While it is a common post-stroke symptom, the severity of dysphagia can range from minimal to profound impairments, and may require the temporary or permanent placement of a feeding tube. This treatment team includes a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a nutritionist who work together to create a proper nutrition plan.  SLP: Lauren Stermer Holdaway, SLP at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala received her bachelor’s degree from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio in 2006 and then went on to earn her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Montevallo in 2011. She has since worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation and ski