TESTING OF VAGUS NERVE ( CLINICAL )

 Testing of vagus nerve :- 

1. Type of nerve : Mixed

2. Functions : 

• Supplies soft palate
• Constrictor muscles of pharynx 
• Muscles of larynx
• Heart 
• Respiratory apparatus
• Abdominal viscera

3. Testing : 

• Gag reflex
• Taste pathway
• uvula ( a part hanging from the soft palate )
• The person is asked to make sounds to check the movement of uvula, if the uvula moves upward while making sound then the persons vagus nerve is intact , if it does not moves at all or moves very very little then the vagus nerve is damaged.

4. Signs and Symptoms of defects : 

• Absence of gag reflex
• Defect in taste reflex
• Right deflection of the uvula 
• Left deflection of the uvula and etc....