Late Blink Reflex Abnormality in a Patient with Dysgeusia: A Case Report |
Received: 22 June 2018 • Revised: 22 August 2018 • Accepted: 9 October 2018 |
Abstract |
Although dysgeusia can occur as a consequence of stroke attacks, many physicians and patients tend to overlook it. A 50-year old woman complained of a 2-week history of abnormal sense of taste on the anterior two-thirds of right tongue. Blink reflex test demonstrated prolonged ipsilateral and contralateral R2 responses with the right supraorbital nerve stimulations, which suggest the lesion on the descending pathway. Brainstem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated abnormal findings in the right lower dorsal pons, anterior to 4th ventricle, lateral to inferior colliculus, and at the level of the pontomedullary junction, which was compatible with solitary tract nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus. Brainstem infarction should be considered in patients who have abnormal sense of taste. Additionally, blink reflex test may be helpful for the detection of central origin dysgeusia. |
Key Words:
blink reflex test, dysgeusia, pontomedullary junction infarction |
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