G

Abstract

The gag reflex is elicited by touching the posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsillar area, or the base of the tongue, with the tip of a thin wooden (‘orange’) stick. Depressing the tongue with a wooden spatula, and the use of a torch for illumination of the posterior pharynx, may be required to get a good view. There is a palatal response (palatal reflex), consisting of upward movement of the soft palate with ipsilateral deviation of the uvula; and a pharyngeal response (pharyngeal reflex or gag reflex) consisting of visible contraction of the pharyngeal wall. Lesser responses include medial movement, tensing, or corrugation of the pharyngeal wall. In addition there may be head withdrawal, eye watering, coughing, and retching. Hence there is variability of response in different individuals. Some studies claim that the reflex is absent in many normal individuals, especially with increasing age, without evident functional impairment; whereas others find it in all healthy individuals, although variable stimulus intensity is required to elicit it.