HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rizzo, M. Articles by Damasio, A. R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rizzo, M. Articles by Damasio, A. R.

Spatial contrast sensitivity in facial recognition

Division of Behavioral Neurology (Drs. Rizzo and Damasio) and the Neuro-ophthalmology Clinic (Drs. Corbett and Thompson), University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA.

Recognition and learning of complex images may depend on spatial processing characteristics of the visual system. Prosopagnosia, an impairment of visual learning and recognition of faces, might result from impaired perception in spatial channels carrying crucial information. We studied spatial contrast sensitivity (SCS) in two subjects with stable facial recognition defects. One had relative SCS reduction for high-frequency gratings but could process high frequencies in room light. The other had normal SCS. Both had intact spatial processing relative to image size. The results suggest that impairments in visual spatial channels are not necessary for the development of prosopagnosia.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Rizzo, Department of Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242.

Supported by NINCDS Program Project Grant no. PO NS 19632.

Accepted for publication December 19, 1985.