ABSTRACT
Objective To obtain the normal value of blink reflex(BR) in the elderly. Methods With clinical electrophysiological diagnostic technique, the orbital nerve was stimulated with electric current to elicit blink reflex in an elderly group (30 subjects, 60 sides) and an adult group (29 subjects, 58 sides). Results For the early response R 1 of BR in the elderly, the latency and amplitude were (10 28?0 39) ms,162 88 ?V. For the late response R 2 and R 2',the latency was (32 86?2 81) ms and (33 33?2 90) ms respectively; the amplitude was 210 72 ?V and 156 32 ?V respectively The difference of the latency between the elderly and adult was statistically significant. Conclusions This study indicates that BR measurement is a simple and harmless technique. The latency of BR was prolonged in the aged.