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Clinical examination

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The clinical examination of the ninth cranial nerve is intimately linked with that of the tenth. A general examination will endeavour to:

  • inspect patient's palate with torch - ask them to say 'ah' - in tenth nerve palsy the palate is pulled up to the normal side
  • test for gag reflex - IX is the sensory component and X the motor component

Ask the patient to speak:

  • assess hoarseness - unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lesion
  • ask to cough - bovine cough characteristic of bilateral recurrent nerve lesion

The taste fibres on the posterior third of the tongue (IX) are not routinely tested.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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