Gag reflex
clinical test of glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve
other signs of CN 9/10 lesion
Obvious features
- Absent gag reflex
- Deviated uvula (away from the lesion)
- Laryngeal paralysis (unilateral or bilateral)
Subtle features
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Impairment of taste over the posterior one-third of the tongue and palate - Innervation of tongue
- Loss of sensation over the posterior one-third of the tongue, palate, and pharynx
- Dysfunction of the parotid gland
and, via the vagus...
- Decreased oesophageal motility
- Dysregulation of heart rate