Electrical study of jaw and orbicularis oculi reflexes after trigeminal nerve surgery. Issue 9 (September 1978)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferguson, I T
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 41:Issue 9(1978)
• Page Start: 819
• Page End: 823
• Publication Date: 1978-09
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.41.9.819
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Trigeminal nerve ophthalmic and motor division function was assessed clinically and electrically in 32 patients who had undergone various surgical procedures for trigeminal neuralgia. Using known electrophysiological techniques, the orbicularis oculi and jaw reflexes were tested in all subjects. Abnormalities of the orbicularis oculi reflex were anticipated on the basis of ophthalmic division anaesthesia. However, jaw reflex abnormalities appeared in operated cases with no clinical or electromyographic evidence of masseter denervation. These results were unexpected, and imply that the proprioceptive fibres of the jaw reflex are mediated by a sensory and not a motor root as previously believed.