The Pharyngeal Reflex
February 15th, 2021
Overview
Also known as the 'gag' reflex.
How to Elicit
- Ask the Patient to open their mouth and gently touch the soft palate with a tongue depressor. Warn the patient beforehand.
Absent Pharyngeal Reflex
Causes of Absent Pharyngeal Reflex
- Bulbar palsy - motor neuron disease, Guillain-Barré, polio, neurosyphilis, brainstem stroke
- Glossopharyngeal (IX) / vagus (X) nerve lesion - trauma, compression, inflammation
- Cerebral - infarct (stroke), trauma, tumour, cerebral palsy
- Medications - antipsychotics, muscle relaxants
Exaggerated Pharyngeal Reflex
Causes of Exaggerated Pharyngeal Reflex
- May be normal
- Pseudobulbar palsy - internal capsular stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease
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