NEUROLOGY
SURGERY
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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Dysfunction of the spinal accessory nerve
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Dysfunction of the acoustic nerve
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Dysfunction of the facial nerve
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Dysfunction of the vagus nerve
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Detailed explanation-1: -The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) controls the gag reflex and is tested by depressing the posterior tongue with a tongue blade. An absent gag reflex is a significant finding, indicating dysfunction of this nerve. A patient has been diagnosed with damage to Broca’s area of the left frontal lobe.
Detailed explanation-2: -Absence of the gag reflex can be a symptom of severe medical conditions that result in damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve, the vagus nerve, or brain.
Detailed explanation-3: -Even though gagging is a normal neuromuscular action, it may be that you never experience a gag reflex. The trigger areas in your mouth may be less sensitive to physical touch or other senses. It’s possible that you may gag in an extreme circumstance but have never been exposed to a situation that prompts gagging.
Detailed explanation-4: -Gag reflex: The gag reflex is elicited when the back of the mouth and the posterior tongue is stimulated with a tongue blade.