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Masseter reflex in childhood and adolescence
Jürgen Koehler1, Cordula Hölker
1Department of Neurology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Pediatric Neurology
|May 29, 2004
Summary
This study provides normative data for the masseter reflex in children aged 2-16 years. Latency shortens and amplitude increases with age, stabilizing around 8 years, indicating maturation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Physiology
Background:
- The masseter reflex is a crucial indicator of trigeminal nerve and brainstem function.
- Establishing normative data in pediatric populations is essential for diagnosing neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for the masseter reflex in children aged 2-16 years.
- To analyze age-related changes in masseter reflex latency and amplitude.
- To define normal side differences and amplitude ratios for clinical application.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 54 children aged 2-16 years, divided into five age groups.
- Masseter reflex was elicited by a mechanical tap to the chin.
- Surface electrodes recorded reflex responses, measuring onset latency and peak-to-peak amplitude.
Main Results:
- Masseter reflex was recordable in all participants across all age groups.
- Mean latency decreased from ages 2-7 and stabilized by age 8.
- Amplitude increased with decreasing latency, also stabilizing by age 8.
- Normal side differences and an amplitude ratio >0.33 were defined.
Conclusions:
- Masseter reflex parameters mature significantly by age 8 in children.
- These normative data provide a baseline for assessing neurological development and function in pediatric patients.