Adaptation to Vestibular Disorientation: I. Vertigo and Nystagmus Following Repeated Clinical Stimulation

摘要

Forty unilateral caloric irrigations were administered in a habituation series to each of two groups of subjects. One group was tested in total darkness. Subjects in the second group were stimulated in illumination and actively attempted to control and suppress their eye movements by means of visual fixation. Pre- and post-tests were administered (always in total darkness) in which both directions of response were elicited. In all cases, tasks were assigned to subjects to maintain alertness. The nystagmic reaction was altered as a result of the habituation series, but the change was different for the two groups. After one month of rest, there was no apparent recovery of the response toward the pretest level for either group. Sensations of vertigo declined in intensity for both groups, but showed recovery after a one-month rest period. (Author)