Effect of occlusal splint therapy on blink reflex time in TMJ dysfunction patients

This study compares the changes that occur in latency before and after use of splint therapy in patients with TMJ dysfunction. The sensory fibers of the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve were stimulated and the time required for the sensory and motor responses to occur were measured. A reduction in latency occurred in the late component. Also a reduction of the delay occurred between ipsi and contralateral late responses. This finding can be attributed to the lateral reticular formation in the blink reflex arc. This study demonstrates a method for evaluating TMJ dysfunction and a way to monitor clinical response.