Galvanic Reflex
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The galvanic reflex and galvanic light reflex are observed in the pupil under the influence of galvanic current due to irritation of the optic nerve. A weak galvanic current produces only a motor effect - pupil constriction, while a stronger current causes visual sensations.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
GALVANIC REFLEX and galvanic light reflex are observed from the side of the pupil under the influence of galvanic current, due to irritations of the optic nerve; a weak galvanic current gives only a motor effect - constriction of the pupil is obtained; a stronger current causes visual sensations; in normal conditions, the ratio between the strength of both currents is 1:4 in healthy people, but in a state of exhaustion, fatigue, the ratios increase 2-4 times; they increase much more in hysteria and in neurasthenia due to an increase in galvanic light sensitivity and a decrease in galvanic reflex sensitivity.
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Cite this page
“Galvanic Reflex.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/galvanic-reflex/