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.

How to Interpret

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References

  • Kuru B, Gulcelik NE, Gulcelik MA, Dincer H. Predictive index for carcinoma of thyroid nodules... Head Neck. 2009;31(7):856-866. PMID: 19340874; and Carrillo JF, Frias-Mendivil M, Ochoa-Carrillo FJ, Ibarra M. Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid combined with an evaluation of clinical and radiologic factors. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;122(6):917-921. PMID: 10828810.
  • Kidd D, Lawson J, Nesbitt R, MacMahon J. Aspiration in acute stroke: a clinical study with videofluoroscopy. Q J Med. 1993;86(12):825-829. PMID: 8108539.
  • 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.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

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