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

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 11(3); 1993 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1993;11(3): 382-391.

편측안면경련에서 일반적으로 사용하는 순목반사검사와 근전도검사를 이용한 병인론적접근 및 그 유용성

김우정, 장세희,함동석,윤영철,김두응,권오상,안상기

중앙대학교 신경과, 안과.

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

Woo-Jung Kim, M.D., Se-Hee Chang, M.D., Dong-Suk Ham, M.D., Young-Chul Youn, M.D., Doo-Eung Kim, M.D., Oh-Sang Kwon, M.D., Sang-Ki Ann, M.D.

Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, College of Medicine Chung Ang University

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 transmission, 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.