Physiologic and clinical investigations into 4 brain stem reflexes

Abstract

Neurophysiologic investigations and other experiments performed for the most part with recently developed registration technics have yielded new data on the corneo-mandibular, palmomental, neck stretch, and facial reflexes. Studies of much clinical material and neuropathologic verifications have led to a better understanding of the reflex arcs associated with these reflexes and permitted sharper demarcation between normal and pathologic forms. In tests of the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these reflexes, the combination of symptoms was found to be of special importance. The routine examination of these reflexes has provided a more exact means of determining the localization and extent of brain stem and cervical processes, especially in comatose patients. It is pointed out that early recognition of threatening tentorial herniation is possible with the aid of the corneomandibular reflex.