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The effect of paired stimuli on blink reflex latencies in normal subjects
Author(s) -
Rubin Devon I.,
Dimberg Elliot L.,
Kennelly Kathleen D.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.22034
Subject(s) - audiology , corneal reflex , latency (audio) , interstimulus interval , reflex , stimulation , psychology , neuroscience , medicine , computer science , telecommunications
: 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. Muscle Nerve, 2011