Blink reflex (BR) was examined serially in patients 1, 2 and 3 months after unilateral hemispheric cerebrovascular accident and compared with functional state and CT findings of lesion extent and location. BR R2 components were depressed and correlated with lesion size. Initial walking ability was correlated with latency and amplitude of both direct and consensual R2 elicited by stimulation of the paretic side. No correlation was found between BR and arm function or the final ambulatory ability. A model suggesting a close association between BR projection-facilitating fibers and those mediating facial movements is presented.