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Published on: September 1, 2018
Photo-evoked eyelid microvibration in newborn infants and children--reflex arc and maturational change
Insights
Photo-evoked eyelid microvibration (PEMV) latency shortens with age due to nerve myelination. This study establishes age-related normal values for PEMV, crucial for understanding neurological development and diagnosing related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Photo-evoked eyelid microvibration (PEMV) is a reflex observed in humans.
- The maturational process of PEMV and its underlying neural pathway are not fully understood.
- Understanding PEMV development is important for assessing neurological function in infants and children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the maturational process of photo-evoked eyelid microvibration (PEMV) in newborns, children, and adults.
- To establish age-related normal values for PEMV latency.
- To explore the influence of specific neurological conditions and treatments on PEMV.
Main Methods:
- Studied 166 newborns, 72 children, and 10 adults.
- Measured the latency of photo-evoked eyelid microvibration (PEMV).
- Analyzed age-related changes and evaluated effects of specific conditions.
Main Results:
- PEMV latency significantly shortens with age, correlating with nerve fiber myelination.
- Established age-related normal values for PEMV latency.
- Observed alterations in PEMV due to retinoblastoma, facial nerve paralysis, holoprosencephaly, and muscle relaxants.
Conclusions:
- Nerve myelination is a key factor in the maturation of the PEMV reflex pathway.
- The study provides normative data for PEMV, aiding in the diagnosis of developmental and neurological disorders.
- PEMV is a sensitive indicator of the integrity of the visual-oculomotor pathway.
Abstract:
We studied maturational process of the photo-evoked eyelid microvibration (PEMV) in 166 newborns, 72 children and 10 adults free of any neurologic disorders. The results indicate that the latency of PEMV shortens during growth due to the myelination of the nerve fibers of the involved pathway. Age-related normal values were established. The pathway of PEMV probably consists of retina, optic nerve, pretectum, facial nerve, and orbicularis oculi muscle. We also evaluated the effect on this reflex of retinoblastoma, facial nerve paralysis, holoprosencephaly anomalad, and a muscle relaxant used for artificial respiration in respiratory distress syndrome.
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