Blink Reflex  Abnormalities in Diabetic Polyneuropathy
(relation to nerve conduction velocities and duration of illness)

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 5(1); 1987 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1987;5(1): 56-63.

당뇨병성 신경병증 환자에 있어 순목반사의 변화에 관한연구

김종성, 이광우 , 이상복, 명호진

서울대학교 신경과.

Blink Reflex Abnormalities in Diabetic Polyneuropathy (relation to nerve conduction velocities and duration of illness)

Jong-Sung Kim, M.D., Kwang-Woo Lee, M.D., Sang-Bok Lee, M.D., Ho-Jin Myung, M.D.

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University

Abstract

In 33 patients of symmetrical diabetic polyneuropathy, blink reflexes and direct responses were measured and compared with those of 20 normal subjects. They were also compared with periphearal nerve conduction velocities, duration of diabetes mellitus and sensory symptoms. The results were; 1. R1 latencies of blink reflex and direct response latencies were abnormally delayed in 55%, 50% respectively, and R/D ratios were within normal range. 2. R1 latencies had significant correlation with motor and mixed nerve conduction velocities but not with sensory nerve conduction velocities. 3. R1 latencies were not significantly correlated with duration of diabetes mellitus, but were well correlated with that of sensory symptoms. These findings indicate that a significant portion (more than 50%) of diabetic polyneuropathy has electrophysiological dysfunction in cranial nerves including facial and trigeminal nerves, which probably are diffusely damaged. Although it is unclear whether R1 latencies have any correlation with the severity of diabetes mellitus, it is likely that they reliably reflect the severity of neuropathy."