GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL BLOCK
The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies sensation to the posterior 1/3 of the tongue and the vallecula. There are two different approaches: intraoral and peristyoid.
INDICATIONS
Provides anesthesia to the mucosa of the pharynx and soft palate ​
Abolishes the gag reflex
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Limited mandibular mobility: Intraoral requires the patient to open their mouth wide enough to identify posterior tonsillar pillar.
SUPPLIES
Topical Anesthesia
Tongue Depressor
Mac Blade
22 or 25 gauge needle
3 or 5 milliliter syringe
INTRAORAL APPROACH
With the patient's mouth open, identify the base of the posterior tonsillar pillars.
Apply topical anesthesia and retract the tongue medially using a tongue depressor or laryngoscope blade.
A 22 or 25 gauge needle is inserted into the submucosal of the caudal portion of the posterior tonsillar pillar.
After negative aspiration, inject 2-5 mLs of 2% lidocaine.
Repeat procedure on the contralateral side.