Abstract: Objective To explore the risk factors of dysphagia in the patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Methods 141 TBI patients were assessed with Gugging Swallowing Screen, and divided into the dysphagia (n=36) and normal (n=105) groups. The related factors were compared between 2 groups. Results The frequency increased in severe brain injury, brain stem injury, bilateral brain injury, tracheotomy, nasal-gastric tube insertion and cognitive defect in the dysphagia group compared with those in the normal group (P<0.05). Conclusion The severe brain injury, brain stem injury, bilateral brain injury, tracheotomy, nasal-gastric tube insertion and cognitive defect may be related with the dysphagia post TBI.

Key words: traumatic brain injury, dysphagia, risk factor