Blink reflex is a specialized neurophysiological test that is performed to check whether the 5th and 7th cranial nerves are functioning properly.
With this examination, the corneal reflex (eyelid reflex) is checked, and both the intracranial and extracranial parts of the trigeminal and facial nerves are evaluated.
The test is indicated for the control of facial nerve paralysis and especially Bell’s palsy, for multiple sclerosis and polyneuropathies such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and for other neurosurgical diseases (vestibular neuromas, tumors, brainstem lesions, etc.)
The examination is performed without effort by the patient, but absolute relaxation is required because otherwise, the stimulation of the supraorbital nerve can cause nuisance or pain. The examinee has his eyes open or closed without tightening them, because one electrode is placed just below the orbit.
