Test: Cranial nerve X exam

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

1. Ahhh test: look at back of throat with penlight as patient says "Ahhh" and watch the uvula and pharyngeal arches rise equally. The low side is the side of dysfunction. 2. Position of uvula: if there is a problem with CNX the uvula will deviate to the good side 3. Gag reflex: use tongue depressor to touch back of tongue to see if the patient has pain or decreased sensation. Do this bilaterally. 4. Ask about bitter taste or alterations in the epiglottis
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Vagus nerve exam

Criteria

• Pharyngeal arches rise equally
• Position of uvula
• Intact gag reflex
• No alterations in taste

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail