Listen to the patient speak and note clarity and presence of any hoarseness of voice. Ask the patient to say "ah" while observing for symmetrical movement of the soft palate. Document normal or abnormal responses.

Glossopharyngeal and Vagus Nerves Clinical Notes and Interpretation

• Subjective complaints of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) should be recorded and addressed accordingly.
• The gag reflex is mediated by the glossopharyngeal nerve afferently and the vagus nerve efferently.
• These findings should be correlated with testing for decreased taste on the posterior one third of the tongue.
• If one side of the arch is paralyzed, it will not elevate and the medial raphe will be pulled toward the opposite side of the lesion.
• A unilateral lesion of the vagus nerve results in a hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing.