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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Classical Short-Delay Eyeblink Conditioning in One-Year-Old Children
Published on: September 1, 2018
The effect of paired stimuli on blink reflex latencies in normal subjects
Devon I Rubin1, Elliot L Dimberg, Kathleen D Kennelly
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. rubin.devon@mayo.edu
Introduction:
In this study we assessed the effect of paired stimuli on the latencies and amplitudes of the blink reflex.
Methods:
Blink reflexes were performed with single and paired (5-ms interstimulus interval) stimuli in 47 patients. The changes in latencies between paired and single stimuli were calculated.
Results:
Paired stimulation produced two types of R1 waveform morphologies: single- and double-peaked waveforms. Increases in R1 and contralateral R2 latencies with paired stimulation were significantly higher in those with single-peaked R1 responses compared to those with double-peaked R1 responses.
Conclusions:
Interpreting the blink reflex latencies using paired stimulation requires visualization of the R1 waveform morphology. A double-peaked R1 response requires no change in normal latency values, but the latency of a single-peaked R1 should be interpreted from the second shock artifact. The effect on the R2 latency is variable.
