Fw: Glossophyngeal and vagus nerves

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Glossophyngeal and vagus nerves

nervous system disease

Glossopharyngeal and vagus

The usual tests are for the presence of touch sensation on the soft palate

and the

back of the throat (the latter usually eliciting a gagging reflex), the

elevation of the

palate on phonation (which should be symmetrical but rises to the stronger

side in the

presence of weakness on one side), the quality and loudness of the voice,

and the

normal slowing of the heartbeat when one carotid artery is compressed in

the neck at

the level of the carotid sinus.

Accessory

The sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, supplied by this nerve, are

tested by

having the patient push his head forward and shrug his shoulders upward

against the

examiner's resistance.

Hypoglossal

Atrophy and weakness of the tongue muscles can be assessed by measuring the

deviation of the tongue toward the weak side upon protrusion.

Motor systems

The presence of gait and postural disturbances, of abnormal movements, and

of

atrophy may be noticed when the patient is giving the history. Examination

is then

formalized and extended under five headings.

Inspection

Inspection of the body may show patterns of muscle atrophy. Depending on

the

pattern of atrophy, this suggests lesions in nerve roots, in more

peripheral locations of

the nerves, or in the muscles themselves with no involvement of nerves.

Symmetrical,

proximal atrophy is more likely to indicate primary muscle disease, while

unilateral

atrophy (i.e., affecting only those muscles receiving their motor supply

from a single

nerve) naturally suggests a lesion of the supplying nerve.

Fasciculations are brief, irregular, involuntary twitches of muscles that

do not lead to

the movement of a joint but that are visible and can be felt by the

patient. If

accompanied by atrophy and weakness, they may be symptoms of serious

underlying

motor neuron disease (see below Diseases and disorders: The peripheral

system).

Other abnormal movements, such as chorea and dystonia, are also noted, as

are

changes in the skin and joints caused by nerve or muscle disease.

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I was diagnosed with Bulbar Palsy yesterday by my neuro. I saw him about the

atrophy of my throat. He said I have this and crainial nerve damge 9-11, and

this is very RARE with CMT but it does happen. >Becky M. >> HUM, I'm just

falling apart here people!!!!!!!!