The vestibular system is a sophisticated human control system. Accurate processing of sensory input about rapid head and postural motion is critical. Not surprisingly, the body uses multiple, partially redundant sensory inputs and motor outputs, combined with a very competent central repair capability. The system as a whole can adapt to substantial peripheral vestibular dysfunction. The Achille...

BACKGROUND Recent basic science research has greatly added to our knowledge of pain mechanisms. Application of this knowledge to cancer pain syndromes has led to new and innovative approaches to cancer pain management. METHODS The mechanisms involved in the three main cancer pain syndromes (somatic, visceral, and neuropathic) are reviewed, and various therapeutic options are discussed. RESU...

Repetitive stimulation in midline and intralaminar regions of the thalamus causes widespread changes in ongoing cortical activity. Contrasting effects may be obtained from the same loci by low and high frequency stimulation. Thus, stimulation at 6-12/see produces recruiting responses (Morison and Dempsey 1942), whereas high frequency stimulation at the same recruiting sites induces low voltage,...

Neurons (Fig 6.1) are cells in the nervous system that are used conduct signals at high speed from one part of the body to another. This enables rapid, precise responses to occur in order to compensate for changes in the environment. Neurons are able to send signals at high speed due to their ability to generate and conduct an electrical signal called an action potential down the length of thei...

1. In early local feedback models for controlling horizontal saccade amplitude, a feedback signal of instantaneous eye position is continuously subtracted from a reference signal of desired eye position at a comparator. The output of the comparator is dynamic motor error, the remaining distance the eyes must rotate to reach the saccadic goal. When feedback reduces dynamic motor error to zero, t...

E. lye movements may be divided grossly into "tonic" and "phasic" movements. Are both of these principal types produced by the same motor nerves and muscle fibers, or are separate systems present that are functionally suited to each of the types of movements? Morphological and physiological studies demonstrate that at least two and possibly three neuromuscular systems are present in eye muscles...

Synesthesia is an experience in which stimulation in one sensory or cognitive stream leads to associated experiences in a second, unstimulated stream. Although synesthesia is often referred to as a "neurological condition," it is not listed in the DSM IV or the ICD classifications, as it generally does not interfere with normal daily functioning. However, its high prevalence rate (one in 23) me...

This contribution outlines the broad historical implications of scientific research on the Transcendental Meditation program for developing enlightened individuals, an enlightened society, cultural integrity, and world peace. This address, presented in October 1974, includes Maharishi's projection that one percent of a population participating in the Transcendental Meditation program will cause...

Any model for the physiology of dystonia must be able to explain how dystonia can be produced in various circumstances. Brain lesions can cause dystonia; responsible sites include the basal ganglia, brainstem, and thalamus, but the most common site is the putamen. Dystonia can be hereditary, and genetic linkage has been found for both generalized and focal dystonia. The only genetic dystonia fo...

development functions because aftereffects decay at a rate dependent on the period of inspection. It is necessary to do careful psychophysics to unconfound these factors. There might be value in examining color and brightness adaptation by the same approach. SCHILLER: YOU showed an illusion occurring as vertical oriented lines rotated around a corner to become horizontally oriented lines, and y...