Filling in at partially deafferented visual cortex.

METHODS

Perceptual visual filling in at the corresponding area of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis scotomas in the fellow eye was studied in 14 patients. Targets were programmed to appear inside the scotoma corresponding area in the fellow eye, and at two control points.

RESULTS

The results showed faster perceptual filling-in latencies (p<0.0001) in the scotoma corresponding area than at the control points.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceptual filling in is facilitated at the corresponding area of retinal scotomas. The neural mechanisms of this visual facilitation might be similar to those found following somatosensory cortex partial deafferentation.