Some Effects of Alcohol on Various Aspects of Oculomotor Control.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that alcohol interferes with visual control of vestibular nystagmus. The present study was designed to assess three partially independent systems of oculomotor control. Performance on three Tasks was measured before and after mild alcohol dosage. One task involved visual suppression of vestibular nystagmus; a second involved smooth oculomotor tracking of a moving target; and a third required repetitive rapid voluntary shifts in gaze. Oculomotor control was degraded on the first two tasks with recovery toward the initial performance level 4 hours after drinking. Performance on the third task was not obviously degraded, although it is possible that improvement with practice was retarded. Results are discussed in terms of neurological systems involved and kinds of flight tasks potentially affected. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 23, 1974
Accession Number
ADA000079

Entities

People

  • David J. Schroeder
  • Fred E. Guedry Jr.
  • Richard D. Gilson
  • William E. Collins

Organizations

  • Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alcohol Consumption
  • Biomedical Research
  • Brain
  • Central Nervous System
  • Cerebellum
  • Classification
  • Control Systems
  • Digestive System Processes
  • Dwell Time
  • Eye Movements
  • Flight Instruments
  • Frequency
  • Health Services
  • Nervous System
  • Oklahoma
  • Phase Velocity
  • Security

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.