[Functional hemispheric arousal and egocentric reference. An experimental study in 20 normal subjects]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of each hemispheric functional arousal (right or left) on the designation of a subjective egocentric reference. The subjective designation of a egocentric reference was measured and compared in 20 right-handers healthy volunteers in cognitive tasks concerning either the right or the left hemisphere. The location of the egocentric reference was different during right or left hemispheric arousal. The hemispheric arousal induce a displacement of the egocentric reference to the contralateral space. These results are compared with clinical and neurophysiological studies and suggest new explorations to the mechanisms of heminegligence.