Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Cranial Nerve IX and X

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Ask the patient to open the mouth and say 'ah,' watching the soft palate and uvula rise. Listen to the voice for hoarseness or a nasal quality and ask about swallowing. The gag reflex is tested by touching the posterior pharyngeal wall on each side with a tongue depressor and observing for palatal elevation and a gag.

How to Interpret

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References

  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

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