EMG blink-reflex

Indications

• brainstem tumor
• stroke
• multiple sclerosis
• Bell's palsy
• connective tissue disease
• toxic neuropathy

Reference interval

• normal R1 is <= 13 seconds
• ipsilateral R2 is <= 41 seconds
• contralateral R2 is<= 44 seconds

Clinical significance

• a delayed or absent reflex is associated with compression or injury to the trigeminal nerve or facial nerve

Procedure

• an electromyograph (EMG) technique measuring the latency of the blink response after stimulation of the supraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve
• conduction velocity in the trigeminal nerve & facial nerve are tested

Additional terms

• electromyography (EMG)