Diagnostic value of blink reflex in diabetic neuropathy / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the diagnostic value of blink reflex (BR) in central neuropathy by observing the variations of blink reflex in diabetic patients. Methods Electrical pulse was used to stimulate the supraorbital nerve at the supraorbital notch. The responses of bilateral orbicular muscles of the eye were recorded, the variations of the latency and amplitude of R 1 and R 2 recorded on the side of stimulation and of R′ 2 recorded on the contralateral side were measured. Results There was significant prolongation in the latency and lowering of the amplitude of R 1, R 2 and R′ 2 in the diabetic patients compared with the control group. The abnormality rate of BR increased gradually with the prolongation of diabetic duration. Conclusion BR examination might provide an objective index for nervous damage in diabetic patients and it is helpful in early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.