question about my gag reflex in my throat

[STEPHNKRIS]

I was in a car accident 8 months ago. Since physical therapy was over I began gagging and choking excessively. I had an endoscopy which came back fine. An ENT doctor believes this was a result of my car accident and referred me to a speach therapist. Don't know what good that will do. Anyway, the doctor feels that my GAG REFLEX was somehow shifted or altered in a way that it is effecting my throat (on the right side) and my right eardrum reacts as well when I gulp or swallow hard. It feels like a ball is in my throat. Is there any activity I can do to relieve this or is there a surgery I can have that will make this annoying discomfort from happening? It is weird that it does not hurt, but is annoying. I gag at the slightest touch when the doctor touched my throat at an exam.

[STEPHNKRIS]

I had a catscan that reflects a concern of my spinal cord, so they sent me for more tests which I was referred to a neurosurgeon. I then had an MRI done 4 months after my accident. The findings are that at C3-C4 there is a mild disc bulge eccentric to the left. At C5-C6there is a broad-based disc bulge eccentric to the right which effeces the anterior thecal sac producing mild to moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. C5-C6 are described as having a degenerative disk bulge.
Also other findings is that there is disc desiccation at L5-S1. At L5-S1, there is a broad-based disc bulge slightly eccentric to the left with mild left subarticular recess narrowing. This closely approximates the S1 nerve roots. L5-S1 is decribed as having a degenerative disk disease.
I really was not explained (in terms I can understand rationally) what this all means, but I wondered if it all has to do with my gag reflex making me choke and gag sometimes daily or sometimes days at a time with intermissions between. I went to a GI doctor who did an Endoscopy procedure that came back normal. He referred me to an ENT doctor who thinks it is an odd case and that it might be related to the accident, but did not relate that in her doctor's notes. (Won't help my legal case any... I am the victim as someone plowed me from behind).
Can you elaborate in terms I may understand this all because my doctor's are not doing a good job at it? Thank you, Kristin

[kittyluv1]

What type of radiology tests did you have done immediately following your car accident?
Were any significant abnormalities noted in the structure of your cervical spine?
It has been documented that individuals with bone spurs in the upper levels of the cervical spine can produce symptoms such as gagging, depending on location and size of the abnormal bone hypertrophy,
Considering that an endoscopy is looking primarily at the lining of the esophagus and associated structures, the next step might indicate the need for examination of the cervical spine for any structural problems.
If none is identified, the gag reflex might be triggered by an increase in stress levels. The brain has a way of anticipating the gag reflex due to previous occurrences and the cycle becomes repetitive.  Anticipation = result expected.  The psychology of hypersensitive gag reflex is as important as any physiologic cause.
A speech pathologist does more than aid individuals needing to improve their communication and verbal skills.  They will be able to evaluate the gag and provide helpful recommendations to reduce its heightened sensitivity.  It would be beneficial to follow through on this treatment option as well as further diagnostic tests.
Post with an update and keep us informed of your progress ----