STUDIES ON HABITUATION OF VESTIBULAR REFLEXES. EFFECT OF REPETITIVE CALORIC TESTS
Abstract
The phenomenon of habituation to repetitive caloric stimulation was investigated in cats. The st dy included acquisition, retention, and transfer of the response decline in nystagmic reaction. Acquisition of habituation was obtained by repetitive calorization of right or left ears with hot or cold water. The rate of response decline was rapid with the initial irrigations and then tended to level off. The extent of response decline differed among animals, ranging from moderate reduction to complete extinction. In the cat, habituation could be retained after three weeks of rest; however, in several animals, recovery of normal caloric responses occurred after a few days. Transfer of habituation occur provided the nystagmus is provoked in the same direction as that which was habituated. The evidence supports the opinion that the neural mechanism underlying habituation of vestibular reflexes is a central process. The locus of this mechanism remains unknown. Practical and theoretic implications of this phenomenon are briefly discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0260582
Entities
People
- Cesar Fernandez
- Nils G. Henriksson
- Robert Kohut
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine