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When there is a facial/pharyngeal paresis a patient tilts their head towards the (STRONG/WEAK) side, but when there is a vocal paresis a patient turns their head towards the (STRONG/WEAK)

User Ed Boykin
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Final answer:

When there is facial/pharyngeal paresis, the patient tilts their head towards the strong side; for vocal paresis, they turn their head towards the weak side. Tests for these conditions assess the function of cranial nerves and muscle strength.

Step-by-step explanation:

When there is a facial/pharyngeal paresis, a patient tilts their head towards the strong side to compensate for the weakness on the affected side. Conversely, when there is a vocal paresis, a patient may turn their head towards the weak side. Testing these muscles involves actions such as flexing and extending the neck or shrugging the shoulders against resistance. The presence of hemiparesis indicates damage on the weaker side. Lateral flexion of the neck toward the shoulder tests the accessory nerve's function, important for orienting the head. Anomalies in these tests can suggest deficits associated with specific cranial nerves such as the facial nerve (CN VII) controlling facial expressions, or the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and vagus nerve (CN X) involved in the gag reflex and taste.

User Jeremy Gurr
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