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The orbicularis oculi reflex in infancy and childhood. Establishment of normal values

S A Clay, J C Ramseyer

    Neurology
    |June 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    The orbicularis oculi reflex matures by age 6 years, with early responses normalizing by 24 months. Delayed responses show variability before reaching adult values, reflecting brain stem development in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Neurophysiology

    Background:

    • The orbicularis oculi reflex and facial nerve conduction are crucial neurological assessments.
    • Understanding normative developmental values is essential for pediatric neurological evaluation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To establish normative developmental data for the orbicularis oculi reflex and direct facial nerve conduction in children.
    • To correlate reflex maturation with age and brain stem development.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied 38 normal children aged 1 month to 9 years.
    • Assessed direct facial nerve conduction and orbicularis oculi reflex.
    • Analyzed early, ipsilateral, and contralateral delayed responses.

    Main Results:

    • Direct facial nerve conduction was consistently within adult normal values.
    • Early orbicularis oculi reflex responses normalized by 24 months.
    • Delayed responses were absent before 20 months, variable until 56 months, and normalized by 6 years.

    Conclusions:

    • Orbicularis oculi reflex expression is age-related, indicating brain stem maturation.
    • Developmental milestones for reflex components vary.
    • Normative data aids in diagnosing pediatric neurological conditions.

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