Summary
With step indentations of the index finger tip in randomized order, via a mechanostimulator, the tactile receptors of human skin were adequately stimulated. Recording the EEG over the contralateral and ipsilateral cortex, the evoked potentials and their 95% confidence limits were analysed. Simultaneously the psychophysical magnitude estimations were analysed.
-
1.
The perceptual estimations were linearly related to step amplitude.
-
2.
The early components of the E.P. show no obvious correlation to stimulus amplitude.
-
3.
The later components (with peak latencies of 120 msec or more) show a monotone, non-linear rising function with respect to stimulus amplitude.
-
4.
The early waves of the evoked potentials up to about 120 msec are well localized over the contralateral postcentral hand area while the late components resemble the alpha rhythm in wave length and distribution over both hemispheres.
The possible role of alpha-synchronisation in the later components is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Burchard, D., Kapp, H., Kornhuber, H.H.: Ein Kraft-und Weg-kontrolliertes mechanisches Beizgerät für Untersuchungen der somatischen Sensiblitität. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 297, 99 (1967)
Franzén, O., Offenloch, K.: Evoked response correlates of psychophysical magnitude estimates for tactile stimulation in man. Exp. Brain Res. 8, 1–18 (1969)
Keidel, W.B., Spreng, M.: Neurophysiological evidence for the Stevens power function in man. J. acoust. Soc. Amer. 38, 191–195 (1965)
Kornhuber, H.H.: Tastsinn und Lagesinn. In: Gauer, Kramer, Jung (Eds.): Physiologie des Menschen, Vol. 11, S. 52–112. München: Urban und Schwarzenberg 1972
Mountcastle, V.B. (Ed.): Medical Physiology, 12th Ed., Vol. II. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby 1968
Mountcastle, V.B., Talbot, W.H., Kornhuber, H.H.: The neural transformation of mechanical stimuli delivered to the monkey's hand. In: De Reuck and Knight (Eds.): CIBA Foundation Symposium on touch, heat and pain, p. 325–345. London: Churchill 1966
Talbot, W.H., Darian-Smith, I., Kornhuber, H.H., Mountcastle, V.B.: The sense of flutter-vibration. J. Neurophysiol. 31, 301–334 (1968)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Johnson, D., Jürgens, R., Kongehl, G. et al. Somatosensory evoked potentials and magnitude of perception. Exp Brain Res 22, 331–334 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234774
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234774