Habituation of Nystagmus and Sensation ofx Motion After Rotation

Abstract

The habituation effect of repeated rotatory stimulation on normal young adults was studied. A total of 20 identical rotatory stimulations were applied and the postrotatory nystagmus was registered by the photoelectric (PENG) technique. Keeping the eyes open in darkness, the frequency of the nystagmus was counted and no response decline was observed. On the contrary, some increase in the intensity of the postrotatory nystagmus was found. The perception of the sensation of motion following the sudden stop of a 180°/sec angular velocity was also studied. Great variability was encountered but no consistent response decline occurred. The duration of the postrotatory nystagmus showed similar characteristics, i.e., variable responses but no signs of habituation.