J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1993 Sep;11(3):382-391.

The Pathophysiologic Approach and Usefulness of Conventional Blink Reflex Test and Electromyography in Hemifacial Spasm

• Kim WJ
• Chang SH
• Ham DS
• Youn YC
• Kim DE
• Kwon OS
• Ann SK

Abstract

A series of 61 cases of primary hemifacial spasm have been evaluated by means of blink reflex and needle electromyography and their result compared with unaffected site. The R1 and R2 response and late acti-ity. After activity in blink reflex. And electrical activity in EMG at rest were observed. The results of study were as in the followings: 1) The arnplitude of large R1 and R2 responses were increased in affected side in contrast to unaffected side. 2) late activity(72.2%) and after activity(83.6%) were observed in only affected side at rela-ti-ely Iong duration, as well as regular interval spontaneous repetivive discharges in EMG at rest. This result of large R1 and R2 responses could be compatible with ephaptic ransmission, but late activity, after activity, and spontaneous repetitive MUPs could be explained hyperexcitability of the facial motor nucleus rather than autoexcitation of peripheral facial nerve. Additionally the authors thought that the use of conventional blink reflex as well as specialized blink reflex tests could be very useful for the diagnosis of hemifacial spasm and for the evaluation of it's course.

MeSH Terms

Blinking*
Diagnosis
Electromyography*
Facial Nerve
Hemifacial Spasm*
Needles