Abstract
A “simultaneous vigilance” test of information-processing rate has been translated from its original academic role to a clinical diagnostic tool. Its clinical purpose is the investigation of the effects of anticonvulsants in epileptic patients. The key to this translation lies in the use of microcomputer technology. This approach offers flexibility in development of a protocol and massive capability for data capture which cannot be equalled either in convenience or extent by any other method. The test period required to obtain an estimate of information-processing rate is approximately 20 min. During this time data on reaction times, relationship between score and pattern symmetry, and the temporal sequencing of errors can be collected and stored in a readily analyzable form. This initial report describes the design principles of the system (hardware and software) and two representative normal results. Clinical data will be the subject of later publications.
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