This is my first time posting on this site as up to yesterday afternoon I thought I was perfectly fine. It was good Friday and I was at home working and, naturally not having someone standing over me, I took a nap. When I arose, I was met with a stiff jaw (which is understandable given I've had some pretty major dental work done recently) and, more worryingly I didn't have any sensation (or thought I didn't) when I swallowed on the right side. I could swallow alright - and taste the water - but my feeling was shallow on the right side. I was on my way to meet a friend - but texted him to say I was suddenly feeling unwell - having got out of the tube a stop early. I went to the hospital - and they were very nice and saw me very quickly. (I think they thought I was having a stroke - I knew I wasn't.) Everything checked out apart from the above and they gave me a letter to give to my GP on Tuesday, encouraging an urgent MRI of the brain and glossopharyneal canal.

I left content ... but then I got on the internet and ... well, started ... to panic from what I read. I ended up not going to sleep because I thought if I did I might wake up with a tad more impairment. Silly, I know ... but, hey, that's me, I suppose.

My question is: Does the lack of a gag reflex on one side (in my case it says on the left) is not responsive - can you tell me does that ALWAYS mean there is some brain damage/disorder? Is it possible it can be a temporary thing, like sleeping on your arm and cutting off its circulation?

It seems expiring (or certainly perspiring) minds need to know. I cannot thank you enough for your kind advice. It is hugely appreciated.