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Published on: July 2, 2013
Crossed linguo-buccal reflex in post-stroke patients
K Nagumo1, K Hirayama, Y Nakajima
1Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Nanasawa Rehabilitation Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan. nagneuro@tc4.so-net.ne.jp
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 5, 2000
Summary
A pathological crossed linguo-buccal reflex was observed in about one-third of post-stroke patients with central facial palsy. This reflex is linked to specific brain lesions, suggesting a loss of inhibition from the brainstem.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Central facial palsy following stroke can manifest unusual neurological signs.
- The crossed linguo-buccal reflex is a pathological orofacial reflex observed in some post-stroke patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of the crossed linguo-buccal reflex in post-stroke hemifacial palsy.
- To identify specific lesion locations associated with this reflex.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of 77 patients with central hemifacial palsy.
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle activity and reflex latency.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to correlate reflex presence with lesion location.
Main Results:
- The crossed linguo-buccal reflex was present in 22 of 77 patients (approximately 29%).
- The reflex was most common in patients with capsulo-caudate lesions involving the caudate nucleus and internal capsule.
- EMG revealed increased activity in facial and oral muscles on the paretic side with long latency and after-discharge.
Conclusions:
- The crossed linguo-buccal reflex in post-stroke patients may result from the disinhibition of brainstem reflexes.
- Lesions in the corticobulbar pathways, particularly capsulo-caudate, are strongly associated with this reflex.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the neurophysiological basis of this phenomenon.
