[The normal value and clinical applications of the blink reflex].

OBJECTIVE

To study the normal value and clinical applications of blink reflex.

METHODS

Using the clinical electrodiagnostic techniques, the orbital nerve was stimulated to elicit the blink reflex.

RESULTS

In 20(40 sides) normal subjects, two components (R1 and R2) had been documented. The latencies were about 10.1 ms for R1, 30.4 ms and 30.7 ms separately for R2 and R2'. In 30 patients with trigeminal and facial nerve diseases and acoustic neuromas, the latencies on the affected sides were apparently longer or the reflex disappeared (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the simple, harmless electrodiagnostic measurements are of value in the initial investigation of trigeminal and facial nerve diseases and acoustic neuroma.