Is Spatial Orientation Influenced by the Calcification of Intracranial Structures?

Abstract

We explore the relationship between signs of calcification on CT scans (pineal calcification, calcification of the glomerae) and spatial orientation. Sixty-three subjects were carefully screened from consecutive referrals for computerized tomographic (CT) scans, and agreed to participate in our research. They were asked to point in the direction of their home, and then to point in the direction of two familiar major city landmarks. In the first study, we computed absolute angular differences in terms of a compass reading. In the second, we both refined our method for assessing spatial orientation and also questioned our subjects as to their subjective sense of direction. The present results suggest that, if anything, pineal calcification somewhat impaired human target orientation, but not homing ability. Interestingly, target disorientation was not found to be correlated with subjective sense of direction. We address the possibility of sex differences in this domain.