Kussmaul-Tenner Experiment
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Kussmaul-Tenner experiment demonstrates the nervous system's rapid response to cessation of blood flow to the brain, showing initial irritation symptoms followed by loss of function symptoms when blood supply is restored.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
KUSSMAUL-TENNER EXPERIMENT (Kussmaul, Tenner) indicates the property of the nervous system to react very quickly to the cessation of blood flow to it (significantly faster than all other organs). This experiment consists of the following: with acute anemia of the brain, caused by compression of the 4 arteries going to the brain (2 art. carotides and 2 art. vertebrales), phenomena of irritation first appear very quickly (convulsions, noise in the ears, slowing of the heartbeat, sparks before the eyes), and then phenomena of loss (loss of consciousness, paralytic state, weakening of respiration, fall in blood pressure, relaxation of sphincters) due to rapid bloodletting of the brain, mainly of the medulla oblongata. If the anemia of the brain does not last long (no more than 20 min.) and the blood flow is restored, then all phenomena gradually disappear, and the brain again begins to function properly. With anemia, the gray matter suffers more than the white, because the latter is significantly more sensitive to lack of blood.
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Cite this page
“Kussmaul-Tenner Experiment.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/kussmaul-tenner-experiment/