Use of Ultrasound-Guided Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block and Intravenous Sedation to Control a Gag Reflex

Anesth Prog. 2025 Jun 9;72(2):112-113. doi: 10.2344/24-0035.

Abstract

This report describes the management of a dental patient with a severe gag reflex who was treated successfully using bilateral ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve blocks (UGPNBs) combined with moderate intravenous sedation (IVS). A 45-year-old male faced difficulty in undergoing multiple dental treatments due to a severe gag reflex. Initial treatment with moderate IVS alone was insufficient to control his gag reflex. Subsequent treatments using bilateral UGPNBs in combination with moderate IVS effectively mitigated his gag reflex, allowing for successful dental treatment. This approach may be beneficial in managing patients with severe gag reflex during dental treatment.

Keywords: Gag reflex; Glossopharyngeal nerve block; Intravenous sedation; Propofol; Ultrasound guidance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Dental* / methods
  • Gagging* / prevention & control
  • Glossopharyngeal Nerve* / diagnostic imaging
  • Glossopharyngeal Nerve* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives* / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Block* / methods
  • Procedural Sedation* / methods
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional* / methods

Substances

  • Hypnotics and Sedatives