STATE OF MOTOR CENTERS IN CIRCULATORY INSUFFICIENCY

Abstract

In a previous communication by an associate and us¹ the fusion frequency of flicker was reported as decreased in circulatory insufficiency (hypertension or heart disease). This decrease is probably due to a reduced oxygen supply to the central nervous system. Fatigue develops first in the sensory centers, and it spreads from there to involve other parts of the central nervous system. Visual centers are especially sensitive to the lack of oxygen. Hence the use of the fusion frequency of flicker might be expected to uncover changes not detectable by other methods. (For a review of pertinent literature, see the previous communication.¹) The effect of fatigue on the motor centers has much practical significance, and its measurement is important, since, after all, "performance" is the objective clinical evidence of fatigue. Therefore, a combined investigation of a sensory and a motor function should enable us to come to some conclusions