Alcohol and Disorientation-Related Responses: V. Influence of Alcohol on Positional, Rotatory, and Coriolis Vestibular Responses over 32-Hour Periods,
Abstract
There are some indications that the systems most closely associated with disorientation responses--the visual and vestibular systems--may continue to show effects of alcohol ingestion for periods in excess of 24 hours. These effects may be evident both in static vestibular reactions and in dynamic reactions such as those which produce Coriolis vestibular effects. The present study sought to clarify some influences of alcohol on both static and dynamic vestibular responses over 32-hour post-drinking periods. Thirty male subjects were divided into three groups of ten each: Control (no alcohol), Bourbon, and Vodka. Each group underwent eye-movement monitoring for responses to positional, rotational, and Coriolis stimulation. The subjects were tested immediately prior to ingestion of the test or the control beverage and for regular intervals up to 32 hours thereafter. The usual PAN I and PAN II nystagmic responses were noted and, additionally, a direction-changing, positional nystagmus was obtained 24-32 hours after the ingestion of alcohol. More spontaneous nystagmus was noted among control subjects than might be expected from previous studies. Responses were generally depressed to angular accelerations and to Coriolis stimulation. There was no differential vestibular effect between Congener and non-congener beverages. Implications of the results are discussed with emphasis on long-term vestivular effects of alcohol. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0735389
Entities
People
- David J. Schroeder
- Ronald J. Hill
- William E. Collins
Organizations
- Civil Aeromedical Institute