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Medium-latency reflex response elicited from the flexor carpi radialis by radial nerve stimulation

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Abstract

The H reflex obtained from the flexor carpi radialis muscle by median nerve stimulation is a well-known monosynaptic reflex. However, the origin of the late responses is still contentious. Radial nerve stimulation was performed through the spiral groove, and EMG recording was obtained from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles. An M response followed by an F response was achieved from the ECR by radial nerve stimulation; the antagonistic FCR muscle elicited a late response. A total of 25 cases were included in this study. In 22 of these cases, a response with a latency of 40.97 ± 5.35 ms was obtained from the FCR by radial nerve stimulation. When extension of the hand was restricted, the response disappeared in five of nine cases. Application of cold markedly suppressed the response and prolonged the latency of the FCR medium-latency reflex response (FCR-MLR). Oral tizanidine considerably suppressed the FCR-MLR response. Two out of eight cases did not exhibit any response. No response could be recorded from a patient with complete amputation of the right hand. The FCR-MLR is the reflex caused by stretching of the FCR muscle from radial nerve stimulation, and it is greatly influenced by group II afferents.

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Acknowledgments

This study (2009.01.0103.013) was supported by Akdeniz University Scientific Research Grant. The authors would like to thank Mr. Fuat Akdenizli for his assistance with preparation of the medical illustrations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Akdeniz University Hospital, B Block, Antalya, Turkey

    Hilmi Uysal, Ferah Kızılay, Şirin Erkaya İnel, Hakan Özen & Gökhan Pek

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  1. Hilmi Uysal
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  2. Ferah Kızılay
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  3. Şirin Erkaya İnel
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  4. Hakan Özen
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  5. Gökhan Pek
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Correspondence to Hilmi Uysal.

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Uysal, H., Kızılay, F., İnel, Ş.E. et al. Medium-latency reflex response elicited from the flexor carpi radialis by radial nerve stimulation. Exp Brain Res 217, 223–235 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-011-2988-1

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