Electrophysiological evidence for direction-specific rotary evoked potentials in human subjects – a topographical study

The spatio-temporal characteristics of rotary evoked potentials are unknown up to now. Transient motions with sinusoidal velocity profile (60 degrees , 47.12 degrees /s, 74.02 degrees /s2, duration 2 s) were alternately applied (rightward/leftward) to 12 healthy subjects. Fixation of a target-cross moving with them suppressed the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Quasi-DC-scalp potentials were recorded from a total of 21 equidistant (3 cm) locations (single sweep: 5 s, 0.016-100 Hz). Brain activity evoked by rotary stimulation is dominated by a late, long-lasting component within a mean peak latency of about 1800 ms after motion onset. Topographic distribution over both hemispheres specifically depends upon the direction of rotation and is mirror-symmetric with respect to the sagittal midline. The gradient of the potential field obtained shows its maximum along a lateral orientation corresponding to the temporo-parietal orientation of vestibular cortical projection areas.

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