Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Brush Okie
A trick to check gag reflex on a unconscious pt is to flick their eye lashed. Some people have a gag reflex when out. If they react to the eye lash touch then they have a gag reflex.
|
Speaking of half trained...that is incorrect.
The Facial Nerve (CN V) mediates the corneal (eyelash) reflex and the gag reflex is mediated by the Glossopharyngeal and Vagus (CNs IX and X) nerves. These nerves do not share any common pathways and the presence of one does not imply anything about the other. Anesthesiologists often times will utilize the method you outlined to gauge alteration in gross sensory function from a known baseline. There is a correlation (although not perfect) between unconsciousness and loss of gag, so there is some value in the lash test for that but using it in the field while suggestive, isn't the same.
The history of the lash test is that in the OR after administration of an induction agent, the anesthesiologist would lightly brush the eyelashes to check for a blink. The reasoning behind this practice is not so much to check for a gag (going to make that go AWAY!) but to check for unconsciousness prior to the administration of a neuromuscular blocking agent. If no blink is present, the anesthesiologist could be reasonably certain they were not paralyzing a patient who is "awake".