Electrically elicited blink reflex in children.
Blink reflex was studied in 12 neurologically intact infants and children aged 2 weeks to 3 years. A coaxial needle electrode inserted in the outer lower quadrant of the orbicularis oculi muscle was used for recording. Responses were elicited by a 50-100V current delivered through a stimulating electrode placed on the supraorbital groove. Absence of contralateral R2 response was a consistent finding. Ipsilateral R2 responses were elicited in 50% of the cases. R1 response was present in all instances and showed latency values similar to adults. The amplitudes of both R1 and R2 were lower than reported in adult population. The blink reflex may be an indication of the degree of myelination of the brain stem, facial and trigeminal pathways in children.
D000367:Age Factors; D001767:Blinking; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant