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Published on: March 1, 2017
THE VALUE OF BLINK REFLEX IN EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
Lidija Dežmalj-Grbelja1, Ivan Mikula1, Lejla Ćorić1
11Department of Neurology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; 2Sveta Katarina Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia; 3Department of Neurology, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia; 4Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia.
Blink reflex testing reveals abnormalities in both clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), indicating its sensitivity for brainstem dysfunction. Abnormalities were observed in late reflex components, suggesting efferent pathway involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) can affect brainstem structures.
- Brainstem impairment may manifest with specific neurological signs and symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in blink reflex parameters between patients with CDMS, CIS, and healthy controls.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of blink reflex testing for brainstem involvement in MS and CIS.
Main Methods:
- Blink reflex latencies (R1, R2, R2') and R3 component occurrence were recorded in 20 CDMS patients, 20 CIS patients, and 20 healthy controls.
- Data were analyzed alongside clinical (sex, age, brainstem signs) and MRI findings (demyelinating lesions).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in R1 latencies or right-sided R2 latencies between groups.
- Statistically longer left-sided R2 latencies in CDMS and right-sided R2' latencies in CDMS were observed.
- No differences in R3 component appearance or between groups regarding sex, age, brainstem signs, or MRI findings.
Conclusions:
- Blink reflex testing is a sensitive and valuable tool for assessing brainstem structures in neurological conditions.
- Abnormalities in blink reflex components are detectable in both CDMS and CIS, highlighting early diagnostic potential.
- Slowing of the late blink reflex component indicates efferent pathway dysfunction and is a highly sensitive, though not highly specific, finding.
