NORMATIVE VALUES OF THE BLINK REFLEX

Background The blink reflex (Blink Reflex) is a non-invasive electrophysiological exploration technique. It allows to study the proximal conduction of the facial and trigeminal nerves. In addition, it also allows to explore the brainstem. Objective The objective of our study was to establish the normative values of the blink reflex at the neurophysiology laboratory of the Fann National University Hospital Center in Dakar-Senegal. Methodology The study population consisted of 30 healthy adult subjects who volunteered to participate in the study, ranging in age from 18 to 59 years old. This was a cross-sectional study, over a period of two months, from March 1st to April 30th, 2019.The electromyography machine used was a Medelec Synergy (OXFORD) device. The recording of the blink reflex allowed to obtain an early R1i (ipsilateral) response and two late responses, R2i and R2c which was contralateral. Results The mean latency of the R1 response was 10.7 +/- 4 ms with extremes between 9.9 ms and 11.8 ms. The mean latency of the R2 response was 33.3 +/- 3.3 ms with a minimum at 26 ms and a maximum of 40 ms. The mean response latency R2c (contralateral) was 33.5 +/- 3.6 ms with a minimum of 27 ms and a maximum of 41 ms. Conclusion Our work shows average latencies: R1 at 10.7ms, R2 at 33.3ms and R2c at 33.5ms.