Evaluation of Brain Stem Function in Diabetics with and Without Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy Using the Blink Reflex

Sulaf Emad; Ghassan Thabet Saeed

doi:10.32007/jfacmedbagdad.1987

Authors

Sulaf Emad Dept. Of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad
Ghassan Thabet Saeed Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32007/jfacmedbagdad.1987

Keywords:

Keywords: Blink reflex, diabetics, Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy.

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the commonest complication of T2DM. Neuropathy is a descriptor for a spectrum of clinical and subclinical symptoms with varying anatomical distributions, clinical histories, and perhaps underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. The distal Symmetrical sensory polyneuropathy is chronic, symmetrical, length-dependent sensorimotor. Studies of the blink reflex have shown potential as a method of assessing brainstem activity.

Objective: The primary purpose of this research was to assess the function of the blink reflex in the early detection of cranial nerves and brain stem dysfunction in diabetes patients with and without polyneuropathy. We also aimed to see whether there were differences in blink reflex abnormalities between diabetes individuals with and without polyneuropathy.

Patients and Methods: The study included a group of sixty-60 diabetic patients. Clinician and electrophysiologist evaluations were used to determine the severity of neuropathy. Patients with diabetes were separated into two groups: those with and without neuropathy.

Results: A statistically significant difference between the two groups was for C.R.2 latency, and I.R.2 latency with a P-value <0.001. Except for blink reflex’s R1 latency (P-value >0.2), all other Blink reflex parameters were statistically different between patients who experience diabetic neuropathy and those who didn’t. Regarding HbA1c, a significant positive association with IR2 latency and C.R.2 latency was noted (Pvalue <0.001) and also, a statistically significant negative association was found with I.R.2 duration and C.R.2 duration (P-value <0.001). Amplitudes of sural, tibial and peroneal nerves were negatively associated with Blink reflex Latencies and positively associated with blink reflex duration.

Conclusion: In conclusion, blink-reflex parameters (including ipsi-lateral R.2 latency, contra-lateral R.2 latency) are significantly associated with HBA1C level and degree of peripheral diabetic neuropathy.

Received Sept. 2022

Accepted Nov. 2023

Published Jan. 2024

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