Phantom vision sensation
Bieganowski, L.
Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego 15(90): 556-558
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1426-9686 PMID: 15058262 Document Number: 560905
The paper presents the phenomenon of phantom sensation including in particular, a phantom vision. These unusual sensations occur among the blind (or almost blind) and are characterised by the perception of various visual impressions, for example, light, geometrical shapes, buildings, people, flowers etc. The paper presents views explaining the generation of phantom vision. According to Melzack's theory, the occurrence of these sensations is explained in relation to the phenomenon of transforming the neuro-activity of the brain in a specific--for each organ--neuronal network called neuromatrix. Even if some organs do exist but have ceased to function completely (or to a significant degree) and consequently the brain does not receive any sensory stimuli from them, the neuromatrix in brain can generate visual sensations constituting the phantom vision phenomenon. The article also includes commentaries on such visual and mental sensations like hallucinations, Pick's visions and so called "scotoma of the leg".