What are the Clinical Implications of an Absent Gag Reflex?
An absent gag reflex can indicate several conditions: - Neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain injury. - Anesthesia or sedation can temporarily suppress the reflex. - Degenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson’s disease. - Severe infections that impact the nervous system.