Abdullah SN, Vaegan, Boon MY, Maddess T. Contrast-response functions of the multifocal steady-state VEP (MSV).
Clin Neurophysiol 2012;
123:1865-71. [PMID:
22445277 DOI:
10.1016/j.clinph.2012.02.067]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To measure contrast-response functions (CRFs) for 9 visual field (VF) regions and nonlinear interactions between regions using a multifocal steady-state VEP (MSV).
METHODS
Ten normal adults were tested (51.7 ± 16.9 yr, 5 females). Stimuli resembling those of the Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) perimeter were presented in 9 VF regions simultaneously, which were modulated at incommensurate temporal frequencies (mean 19.7 Hz). Responses were recorded to 11 contrasts from 3% to 89%, using 8 scalp electrodes. Two repeats of a 20s duration stimulus were averaged for each contrast.
RESULTS
The CRFs were log-linear except for a depression near 7% contrast (p=0.0008), which was prominent in the central VF. The effects of VF region, stimulus frequency and recording electrode were significant (all p<0.016). Significant responses at frequencies corresponding to interactions between VF regions also appeared. Electrodes that were best for the interactions and second harmonic responses differed, suggesting different cortical sources.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite short recording durations the saturating CRFs meant that significant responses could be measured to low contrasts, and be distinguished from nonlinear interactions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recording MSVs to low contrast FDT-like stimuli might be useful for quantifying damage by glaucoma and other visual disorders.
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