Thermal stimulation of pressure phosphenes

Abstract

AbstractTo investigate effect on the intensity of pressure phosphenes (PP) of various methods of heating hands, as well as manual influence on cervical spine. This study included subjective assessments of the PP intensity in 10 healthy men, and chronometry of bioelectrical activity of brain and heart using electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG). EEG and ECG frequency spectra respond synchronously to pressure, heat and light. The time of excitation of potential oscillations in the visual area of the cortex of both hemispheres is consistent with the delay in the onset of PP flaring. The effect of PP stimulation is enhanced when the hands and body are heated in a humid environment and at temperatures above 42 °C. Stimulation of PP by heating indicates the convergence of impulses from neurons of the lateral geniculate body (LGB) and nuclei of the thalamus, which are responsible for thermoreceptors in the skin of the palms and fingers. The thermal stimulation effect of PP is enhanced at temperatures above 42 °C due to the fact that thermoreceptors work as pain receptors. The mechanism of PP generation is dominated by the processes of redistribution and recombination of charges in the layers of the retina and LGB.