![]() The technique for testing a gag reflex in an intubated patient is even murkier.Since the gag reflex may be stimulated by both touch and pressure, more aggressive probing of the pharynx is probably more likely to elicit a gag. The instrument used and amount of pressure applied to the pharynx isn't standardized.Among 104 medical students, touching the posterior pharynx was far more likely to stimulate a gag response than the posterior tongue (91% vs. Most texts recommend touching the posterior pharynx, but some recommend touching the back of the tongue.There is no standardization of how the gag reflex is tested: However, the gag reflex is more dramatic and thus has received far more attention. The palatal reflex is probably a better indicator of true pathology. ![]() The palatal reflex seems to be more hard-wired, whereas the gag reflex may be more susceptible to influence from higher brain centers (e.g. However, normal patients often lack a gag reflex, despite retaining a palatal reflex ( Lim 2009). The gag reflex appears to always be accompanied by the palatal reflex. This component is unpleasant and obvious from across the room.
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