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Proprioception more impaired distally than proximally in subjects with hemispheric dysfunction
L H Lu1, A M Barrett, J E Cibula
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610, USA.
Neurology
|August 23, 2000
Summary
Proprioception disturbances after hemispheric injury are more pronounced in distal limb segments. This study supports the hypothesis that distal limb sensation is processed by the contralateral hemisphere, unlike proximal limb sensation which involves both hemispheres.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- Holmes observed greater proprioceptive disturbances in distal limb segments following hemispheric injuries.
- This observation led to hypotheses regarding the size of cortical sensory representations or differential hemispheric projection patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the projection patterns of proprioceptive information from proximal and distal limb segments.
- To test the hypothesis that distal limb sensation projects contralaterally, while proximal limb sensation projects bilaterally.
Main Methods:
- Utilized selective hemispheric anesthesia to temporarily inactivate one hemisphere.
- Assessed proprioceptive function in both proximal and distal limb segments before and during anesthesia.
Main Results:
- A significant decrement in proprioception was observed in distal limb segments during hemispheric anesthesia.
- No significant decrement in proprioception was found in proximal limb segments under the same conditions.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis of bilateral sensory projection for proximal limb segments.
- Distal limb proprioception appears to be primarily processed by the contralateral hemisphere, explaining the greater impact of unilateral hemispheric injury.