[1] An EMS is typically done to evaluate suspected disorders of motility or peristalsis of the esophagus.

These disorders typically present with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, usually to both solids and liquids even initially.

Other patients with spasm disorders may have the test done to diagnose chest pain thought not to be of cardiac cause.

Once placed in the stomach lining, the catheter is slowly withdrawn, allowing it to detect pressure changes and to record information for later review.

Upper gastrointestinal series and their fluoroscopic counterparts use x-rays to image the swallowing motions.