Methods for Studying the Blink Reflex and Its Normative Parameters

Investigation of the blink reflex represents a contemporary and highly informative method in electroneurophysiological diagnosis. Contradictory data from clinical studies of the blink reflex show the relevance of the problem and dictate the need for forming universal approaches to methods of studying and interpreting the results obtained. The characteristics of the formation of the reflex electromyographic (EMG) components of the blink reflex of the orbicularis oculi muscle were studied during electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve in 31 healthy subjects. The latencies of the R1 and R2 components, the amplitude of the R1 component, and the area of the total power spectrum of the EMG discharges constituting the R2 component, the duration of the R2 component, and the latency of the R3 component were studied during the blink reflex.