The Human Auriculo–Cervical Reflex

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of this neurophysiological study of 8 volunteer subjects was to see if electrical stimulation of the auricle of the ear might result in objective somatic electromyographic reflexive activity in the dorsal cervical region.

Materials and Methods:

Two auricular sites were stimulated in each ear in most of 8 human subjects (5 males and 3 females), and a third site was stimulated in the author. Recordings were made to determine if the reflex activity occurred.

Results:

This study documents the presence of a skeletal muscle electromyographic reflex, named the human auriculo–cervical reflex, in 5 male and 3 female subjects. This subclinical reflex is recorded with surface electrodes over suboccipital muscles at the posterior neck, and is evoked by electrically stimulating apical, conchal, and lobular portions of the auricle of the ear. The reflex may occur bilaterally on unilateral stimulation, and has variable early, intermediate, and late components.

Conclusions:

The identification of this reflex may help advance understanding of the reflexive nature of auriculotherapy and may potentially have neurological diagnostic utility.