Why is hemiplegia associated with an increased risk of aspiration?

• A. Cranial nerves are involved
• B. Reduced mobility increases aspiration risk
• C. Increased saliva production
• D. Elevated blood pressure causes aspiration

Answer: (A)

Swallowing and protecting the airway rely on precise control from the brain through the cranial nerves. When a brain injury causes hemiplegia, the same lesion can disrupt the pathways that coordinate the swallow and the protective closure of the airway. This can make the swallow slower or less forceful, weaken laryngeal elevation and airway protection, and allow food or saliva to enter the airway. In short, impairment of the neural control of swallowing, which involves cranial nerves, increases the risk of aspiration in hemiplegia.