Palmomentale Elektrographie

Abstract

Reflex, instinct and voluntary movements of the face and the upper limbs, especially those between hand and mouth show a widespread interrelationship. Little is known of the neurophysiological pathways involved. One of these interrelated reflexes which is easily elicited clinically, is the palmomental reflex (PMR). This reflex has proved to be of use as a screening test for cerebral lesions damage: a lateralized, increased, or inexhaustable PMR indicates the presence of a contralateral lesion of the pyramidal or extra-pyramidal system. The aim of the following study was to find a practicable method of stimulation and detection in order to examine and define the normal reflex response. Our investigation shows that one can define the neurographic parameters of the normal reflex response. Hence it should be possible to compare these results with findings in patients with lesions of the nervous system. Our methods are described and the results discussed as are the indications for palmomental electrography (PMEG).