title: The effect of paired stimuli on blink reflex latencies in normal subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study we assessed the effect of paired stimuli on the latencies and amplitudes of the blink reflex.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blink reflexes were performed with single and paired (5-ms interstimulus interval) stimuli in 47 patients. The changes in latencies between paired and single stimuli were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Paired stimulation produced two types of R1 waveform morphologies: single- and double-peaked waveforms. Increases in R1 and contralateral R2 latencies with paired stimulation were significantly higher in those with single-peaked R1 responses compared to those with double-peaked R1 responses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interpreting the blink reflex latencies using paired stimulation requires visualization of the R1 waveform morphology. A double-peaked R1 response requires no change in normal latency values, but the latency of a single-peaked R1 should be interpreted from the second shock artifact. The effect on the R2 latency is variable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. rubin.devon@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Devon I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: Elliot L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Dimberg
authors.forename: Kathleen D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Kennelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001767:Blinking / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*