Skip to main content

Visual Evoked Potentials and Brain Dysfunction in Chronic Alcoholics

  • Chapter
Evoked Brain Potentials and Behavior

Part of the book series: The Downstate Series of Research in Psychiatry and Psychology ((DSRPP,volume 2))

Abstract

Chronic alcohol abuse is known to lead to brain dysfunction (Begleiter and Platz, 1972; Rankin, 1975). In an effort to ascer tain some parallel between acute and chronic alcohol intake, the effect of single doses of alcohol on normal brain functioning is being studied. Extensive research has been conducted in order to investigate the effects of acute doses of alcohol on the normal human evoked potential. This has been examined with the auditory evoked response (AER) (Gross et al., 1966), the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) (Lewis et al., 1970; Salamy and Williams, 1973; Porjesz and Begleiter, 1973), and the visual evoked potential (VEP) (Lewis et al., 1969, 1970; Porjesz and Begleiter, 1975; Rhodes et al., 1975), P3 amplitude (Roth et al., 1977), the contingent negative variation (CNV) (Kopell et al., 1972; Roth et al., 1977), and the amplitude-intensity gradient (Spilker and Callaway, 1969).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Begleiter, H., DeNoble, V., and Porjesz, B. Protracted brain hyperexcitability following ethanol withdrawal in monkeys (macacca Nemistrina). In Alcohol Intoxication and Withdrawal, H. Begleiter (ed.), Vol. 4, Plenum Press, New York, 1978 (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Begleiter, H. and Platz, A. The effects of alcohol on the central nervous system in humans. In The Biology of Alcoholism, B. Kissin and H. Begleiter (eds.), Vol. 2, Plenum Press, New York, 1972, pp. 293–343.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Begleiter, H. and Porjesz, B. Persistence of brain hyperexcitability following chronic alcohol exposure in rats. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1977, 85b: 209–222.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Begleiter, H., Porjesz, B., and Yerre-Grubstein, C. Excitability cycle of somatosensory evoked potentials during experimental alcoholization and withdrawal. Psychopharmacologia, 1974, 37: 15–21.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, A. E., Doi, L. T., and Mowery, G. L. The value of electroencephalography in alcoholism. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 1956, 124(1): 27–32.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bergman, H., Borg, S., Hindmars, T., Idestrom, C. M., and Myrhed, M. Computed-tomography of the brain and psychometric assessment of alcoholic patients: Some preliminary results. Presented at World Congress of Psychiatry, Hawaii, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brewer, C. and Perrett, L. Brain damage due to alcohol consumption: An air-electroencephalographic, psychometric and electro-encephalographic study. Brit. J. Addict., 1971, 66: 170–182.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brody, H. Structural changes in the aging nervous system. Interdisc. Top. Geron., 1970, 7: 9–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butters, N. and Cermak, L. S. Neuropsychological studies of alco holic Korsakoff patients. In Empirical Studies of Alcoholism, Goldstein and Neuringer (eds.), Ballinger, Cambridge, 1976, pp. 153–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cannon, W. G. Cortical evoked responses of young normal, young alcoholic, and elderly normal individuals. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Utah, 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlen, P. L., Wilkinson, A., and Kiraly, L. Dementia in alcoholics: A longitudinal study including some reversible aspects. Neurology, 1976, 26: 355.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clemente, C. D. and Sterman, M. B. Limbic and other forebrain mechanisms in sleep induction and behavioral inhibition. In Progress in Brain Research, R. Adey and T. Tokizone (eds.), Vol. 27, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1967, pp. 34–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coger, R. W., Dymond, A. M., Serafetinides, E. A., Lowenstein, I., and Pearson, D. Alcoholism: Averaged visual evoked response amplitude - intensity slope and symmetry in withdrawal. Biolog. Psychiat., 1976, 11(4): 435–443.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Courville, C. B. Effects of Alcohol on the Nervous System of Man. Los Angeles, San Lucas Press, 1955.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dustman, R. E., Snyder, E. W., Callner, D. A., and Beck, E. C. The evoked response as a measure of cerebral dysfunction. In Evoked Brain Potentials and Behavior, H. Begleiter (ed.), 1978, (this volume).

    Google Scholar 

  • Feuerlein, W. and Heyse, H. Die Weite der 3-Hirn Kammer bei Alko holkern. Ergebnisse echoenzephalographischer Messungen. Arch. Psychiat. Nervenkv., 1970, 213: 78–85.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzhugh, L. C., Fitzhugh, K. B., and Reitan, R. M. Adaptive abilities and intellectual functioning of hospitalized alcoholics. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1960, 21: 414–443.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzhugh, L. C., Fitzhugh, K. B., and Reitan, R. M. Adaptive abilities and intellectual functioning of hospitalized alcoholics: Further considerations. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1965, 26: 402–411.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fox, J., Ramsey, R., Huckman, M., and Proske, A. Cerebral ventricular enlargement: Chronic alcoholics examined by computerized tomography. J. Amer. Med. Assoc., 1976, 236: 365–368.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, D. W. and Hill, S. Y. Chronic effects of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs on intellect, learning and memory. In Alcohol, Drugs and Brain Damage, G. Rankin (ed.), A.R.F., Ontario, 1975, pp. 55–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gross, M. M., Begleiter, H., Tobin, M., and Kissin, B. Changes in auditory evoked response induced by alcohol. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 1966, 143: 152–156.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hillyard, S. A. Electrophysiological assessment of attentional processes in man. Presented at NIMH Conference on Event Related Potentials. Airlie, Virginia, April, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, L. C., Burdick, J. A., and Smith, J. Sleep during alcohol intake and withdrawal in the chronic alcoholic. Arch. Gen. Psychiat., 1970, 22: 406–418.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, B. M. and Parsons, O. A. Impaired abstracting ability in chronic alcoholics. Arch. Gen. Psychiat., 1971, 24: 71–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson, C. O., Cronholm, B., and Izikowitz, S. Intellectual changes in alcoholics. Psychometric studies on mental sequels of pro longed intensive abuse of alcohol. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1962, 23: 221–242.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jouvet, M. Telencephalic and rhombencephalic sleep in the cat. In The Nature of Sleep. G. E. Wolstenholme and M. O’Connor (eds.) Little Brown and Co., Boston, 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kopell, B. S., Tinklenberg, J. R., and Hollister, L. E. Contingent negative variation amplitudes: Marijuana and alcohol. Arch. Gen. Psychiat., 1972, 27: 809–811.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lester, B. K., Rundell, O. H., Cowden, L. C., and Williams, H. L. Alcoholism, alcohol and sleep. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1973, 135: 261–280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, E. G., Dustman, R. E., and Beck, E. C. The effect of alcohol on sensory phenomena and cognitive motor tasks. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1969, 30: 618–633.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, E. G., Dustman, R. C., and Beck, E. C. The effects of alcohol on visual and somatosensory evoked responses. Electroenceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1970, 28: 202–205.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Long, A. and McLachlan, J. Abstract reasoning and perceptual-motor efficiency in alcoholics. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1974, 35(4): 1120–1129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loveless, N. E. and Sanford, A. J. Effects of age on the contingent negative variation and preparatory set in a reaction-time task. J. Gerontol., 1974, 29: 52–63.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luria, A. R. Higher Cortical Functions in Man. Translated by Basil Haigh, Basic Books, Inc., New York, 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luria, A. R. The Working Brain. Penguin, Great Britain, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mildovanska, P. and Kukladziev, B. EEG study of patients with alcoholic delirium. Electroenceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1975, 39: 672.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nataanen, R. Selective attention and evoked potentials in humans a critical review. Biolog. Psychol., 1975, 2: 237–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oscar-Berman, M. Hypothesis testing and focusing behavior during concept formation by amnesic Korsakoff patients. Neuropsychologia, 1973, 11: 191–198.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Page, R. D. and Linden, J. D. “Reversible,” organic brain syndrome in alcoholics: A psychometric evaluation. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1974, 35: 98–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page, R. D. and Schaub, L. H. Intellectual functioning in alcoholics during six months abstinence. J. Stud. Ale., 1977, 38: 1240–1246.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, O. A. Brain damage in alcoholics: Altered states of uncon sciousness. Alc. Tech. Rep., 1974, 2: 93–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, O. A. Brain damage in alcoholics: Altered states of consciousness. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1975, 59: 569–584.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, O. A., Tarter, R. E., and Edelberg, R. Altered motor control in chronic alcoholics. J. Abn. Psychol., 1972, 80: 308–314.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porjesz, B. and Begleiter, H. The effects of alcohol on the somato-sensory evoked potential in man. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1973, 35: 345–350.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porjesz, B. and Begleiter, H. Alcohol and bilateral evoked brain potentials. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1975, 59: 553–567.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Porjesz, B., Begleiter, H., and Hurowitz, S. Brain excitability subsequent to alcohol withdrawal in rats. In Tissue Responses to Addictive Substances, D. H. Ford and D. H. Clouet (eds.), Spectrum, New York, 1976, pp. 461–469.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raffauf, H. J. Convulsive attacks and EEG in connection with alcoholism. Electroenceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1974, 36: 90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rankin, J. G. Alcohol, drugs and brain damage. Proceedings of a symposium: Effects of chronic use of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs on cerebral functioning. Addict. Research Founda tion of Ontario, Toronto, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes, L. E., Obitz, F. W., and Creel, D. Effect of alcohol and task on hemispheric asymmetry of visually evoked potentials in man. Electroenceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1975, 38: 561–568.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, W. T., Tinklenberg, J. R., and Kopell, B. S. Ethanol and marihuana effects on event-related potentials in a memory re trieval paradigm. Electroenceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1977, 42: 381–388.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rimdell, O. H., Tharp, V., Lester, B. K., and Williams, H. L. Some effects of acute intoxication on information processing stages. Ale. Tech. Rep., 1973, 1: 25–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salamy, A. The effects of alcohol on the variability of the human evoked potential. Neuropharmacology, 1973, 12: 1103–1107.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salamy, A. and Williams, H. L. The effects of alcohol on sensory evoked and spontaneous cerebral potentials in man. Electro enceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1973, 35: 3–11.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schenkenberg, T., Dustman, R. E., and Beck, E. C. Cortical evoked responses of hospitalized geriatrics in three diagnostic categories. Proceedings of the 80th Annual Convention, American Psychological Association, 1972, pp. 671–672.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, J. W., Burt, D. W., and Chapman, R. F. Intelligence and brain damage in alcoholics: A study in patients in middle and upper social class. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1973, 34: 414–422.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, J. W., Johnson, L. C., and Burdick, J. A. Sleep, psychological and clinical changes during alcohol withdrawal in NAD-treated alcoholics. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1971, 32: 982–994.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Spilker, B. and Callaway, E. Effects of drugs on “augmenting/reducing” in averaged visual evoked response in man. Psycho pharmacologia, 1969, 15: 116–124.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sutton, S. The specification of psychological variables in an average evoked potential experiment. In Average Evoked Poten tials: Methods, Results, and Evaluation. NASA SP-191, Washington, D.C., 1968, pp. 237–297.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarter, R. An analysis of cognitive deficits in chronic alcoholics. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 1973, 57: 138–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarter, R. E. Psychological deficit in chronic alcoholics: A review. Intn’l. J. Addict., 1975, 10(2): 327–368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarter, R. and Jones, B. Motor impairment in chronic alcoholics. Dis. Nerv. Sys., 1971, 32: 632–636.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Templer, D. I. Trail Making Test performance of alcoholics abstinent at least a year. Intn’l. J. Addict., 1975, 10(4): 609–612.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tenner, M., Begleiter, H., and Porjesz, B. CAT-scan and evoked potentials in chronic alcoholics. (Unpublished observations, 1978.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tharp, V. K., Rundell, O. H., Williams, H. L., and Lester, B. K. Alcohol and information processing. Psychopharmacologia, 1974, 40: 33–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tharp, V. K., Rundell, O. H., Jr., Lester, B. K., and Williams, H. L. Alcohol and secobarbital: Effects on information processing. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1975, 59: 537–552.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tumarkin, B., Wilson, J. D., and Snyder, G. Cerebral atrophy due to alcoholism in young adults. U.S. Arm. Forc. Med. J., 1955, 6: 67–74.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weingartner, H., Faillace, L. A., and Markley, H. G. Verbal informa tion retention in alcoholics. Quart. J. Stud. Alc., 1971, 132: 293–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson, A., Rankin, J. G., and Kiraly, L. Organic brain syndrome in chronic alcoholism: A reversible encephalophathy? Presented at: 11th Annual Conference, Canadian Foundation on Alcohol and Drug Dependencies, Toronto, Canada, June, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winer, B. J. Statistical Principles in Experimental Design. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1962.

    Book  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1979 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Porjesz, B., Begleiter, H. (1979). Visual Evoked Potentials and Brain Dysfunction in Chronic Alcoholics. In: Begleiter, H. (eds) Evoked Brain Potentials and Behavior. The Downstate Series of Research in Psychiatry and Psychology, vol 2. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3462-0_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3462-0_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-3464-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-3462-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics