The Clinical Significance of Blink Reflex in Diabetics

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 12(3); 1994 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1994;12(3): 491-497.

당뇨병 환자에서 순목반사의 임상적 의의

조용원, 임정근,이상도,박영춘,이동국

계명대학교 신경과. 대구 카톨릭대학 신경과.

The Clinical Significance of Blink Reflex in Diabetics

Yong-Won Cho, M.D., Jeong-Geun Lim, M.D., Sang-Doe Yi, M.D., Young-Choon Park, M.D.

Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine

Abstract

Blink reflex (BR) was known as a useful test fordetection of brainstem lesions and cranial neuropathy. We performed BR test in 52 non-insulin dependent diabetics, and the results were compared with 26 controls. In diabetics, 23 patients (44.2%) had abnormal results with delayed R1 in 20 (38.5%), delayed ipsilateral R2 in 6 (11.5%) and delayed contralateral R2 in 4 (7.7%). BR abnormalities were related to age and presence of peripheral neuropathy, but not related to duration of diabetes and fasting blood sugar level. It is suggested that BR test could be an additional electrodiagnostic tool for the diabetic neuropathy, especially to evaluate a subclinical brainstem or cranial nerve involvement.