Case Report: Combined palatal augmentation and palatal lift prostheses for dysarthria and dysphagia in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a rare progressive disorder characterized by severe dysphagia and dysarthria. Palatal lift prostheses (PLP) and palatal augmentation prostheses (PAP) are used to improve dysphagia and dysarthria; however, evidence for their combined use (c-PAP/PLP) in neuromuscular diseases is limited. We report a 68-year-old man with dysarthria and dysphagia due to OPMD who was initially managed with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Treatment with c-PAP/PLP improved dysarthria, hypernasality, and oral and pharyngeal function, resulting in reduced pharyngeal residue and absence of aspiration. This case highlights the potential value of compensatory prosthetic intervention in progressive neuromuscular disorders.