Physiologic and anatomic basis for contralateral R1in blink reflex

摘要

AbstractWe studied the rate of appearance and mechanism of contralateral R1responses in normal subjects. Contralateral R1could be produced by facilitating maneuvers such as a gentle contraction of the orbicularis oculi and conditioning stimulus of the median nerve. In addition, changing the position of the stimulating anode to the midline evoked these responses that were abolished by blocking the contralateral supraorbital nerve, confirming its peperipheral origin. We conclude that crossed trigeminofacial pathways probably exist in normal subjects, but in some instances contralateral peripheral trigeminal ophthalmic sensory fibers may be stimulated, giving rise to a contralateral R1response.