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Changed perceptions in Braille readers

Nature volume 391, pages 134–135 (1998)Cite this article

Abstract

The mature mammalian nervous system has a striking capacity for plastic remodelling in response to environmental changes, but little is known about the perceptual and behavioural relevance of this phenomenon. Using magnetic source imaging we show that the cortical somatosensory representation of the fingers is topographically disordered in blind Braille readers who use three fingers on both hands to read. In addition, they frequently misperceive which of these fingers is being touched. This correlation is suggestive of a functional role for cortical reorganization in the perceptual experience of these individuals.

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Figure 1: Distances between centres of cortical responsivity: D1, thumb; D2, index finger; D5, little finger.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Fach D25, Konstanz, D-78457, Germany

    Annette Sterr, Matthias M. Müller, Thomas Elbert & Brigitte Rockstroh

  2. Institute of Experimental Audiology, University of Münster, Münster, D-48129, Germany

    Christo Pantev

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, 35294, Alabama, USA

    Edward Taub

Authors
  1. Annette Sterr
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  2. Matthias M. Müller
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  3. Thomas Elbert
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  4. Brigitte Rockstroh
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  5. Christo Pantev
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  6. Edward Taub
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Sterr, A., Müller, M., Elbert, T. et al. Changed perceptions in Braille readers. Nature 391, 134–135 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/34322

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