The consequences of dysphagia can be profound. Although it is appreciated that nutrition, hydration, quality of life issues, and social isolation may arise, aspiration (especially if not immediately recognized) may be the pivotal factor that precipitates a significant decline in a patient's outcome. Our research group¹ has previously shown that in patients hospitalized with stroke, only 14% of those without dysphagia required more than 7 days of hospitalization. When a patient with stroke also had dysphagia, their likelihood of hospitalization longer than 7 days was up to 73.9%.¹ These findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of dysphagia so that an appropriate plan of care can be instituted and so that the potential economic impact of a prolonged hospitalization might be mitigated.