Vodka Reflex

Vodaka reflex is a reflexive movement of the soft palate and the posterior wall of the pharynx in response to irritation of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. This reflex was described by Austrian otorhinolaryngologist Ernst Wodak in the 1930s.

When examining the nasopharynx, the doctor touches its back wall with a special instrument or spatula. This causes a reflex contraction of the muscles of the soft palate and the back wall of the pharynx. Normally, the vodak reflex appears at the age of about 2-3 months and persists throughout life.

Weakening or absence of the water reflex may indicate a violation of the innervation of the soft palate. This is an important diagnostic sign for diseases of the nervous system or developmental abnormalities. Also, the absence of a reflex is characteristic of paralysis of the soft palate.

Thus, the vodaka reflex allows you to assess the state of innervation and mobility of the soft palate. His research is widely used in the practice of otorhinolaryngologists and neurologists.