Abstract
We used positron emission tomography to study normal patterns of local cortical metabolic activation induced by somatosensory stimuli. Palpation and sorting of mah-jongg tiles by textured design increased local glucose metabolic rate (lCMRgl), by 18% on average, in contralateral somatosensory cortex. A graphesthesia task gave a similar result. In contrast, vigorous vibrotactile stimulation of fingers, face, or knee did not produce a consistent focus of activation. Our results indicate that lCMRgl activation is best achieved by somatosensory tasks requiring an active perceptual effort.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1301-1308 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Neurology |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1987 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology