The orbicularis oculi reflex in infancy and childhood. Establishment of normal values.
The orbicularis oculi reflex and direct facial nerve conduction were studied in 38 normal children ranging in age from 1 month to 9 years. Direct facial nerve conduction in all groups was within adult normal values. The early response of the orbicularis oculi reflex obtains normal adult values by age 24 months. Both ipsilateral and contralateral delayed responses are absent under 20 months, are widely variable between 21 and 56 months, and obtain adult normal values beginning at age 6 years. The expression of the orbicularis oculi reflex is an age-related phenomenon presumably reflecting brain stem anatomic and functional maturation.
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005143:Eyelids / Q000502:physiology*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009431:Neural Conduction; D011930:Reaction Time; D012018:Reflex