Modes of vestibular habituation.
An experiment was designed to investigate the effect of different modes of vestibular habituation. Volunteers were divided into two groups differing only in visual fixation. A theoretical explanation of the observed differences in nystagmus speed and frequency of beats between groups is offered. Secondary experiments designed to support the conclusions were performed using optokinetic stimulation with a stationary line for visual fixation. An increase in conjugate tone potential opposed to the unwanted optokinetic stimulus developed. Post-habituation nystagmus patterns appear to depend in considerable part on learned responses originating in the gray matter of the brain.
D002150:Caloric Tests; D005133:Eye Movements; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology