Tympanic Muscle Reflex Elicited by Electric Stimulation of the Tongue in Normal and Pathological Subjects

Abstract

A bilateral reflex contraction of the tensor tympani muscle has been obtained in man by electric stimulation of the tongue (1-2 mA). The stimulus is well tolerated and always effective. The advantage is stressed of eliciting a contraction of this muscle without involvement of the stapedius, as occurs with other methods. An analysis has been subsequently conducted in normal subjects and in patients affected by pathology of the tympano-ossicular system: tympanosclerosis, otosclerosis, suprastapedial facial paralysis; in cases of interruption of the afferent arch: section of the homolateral lingual nerve; in cases of involvement of its central portion: cerebello-pontine-angle tumours; and in cases of section of choida tympani. A chiasm-like central nervous pattern is suggested.