A Swine Model of Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects of Neuronally Generated Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Changes

Abstract

Background and objective Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with aberrations in neural circuitry attributable to the pathology resulting in electromagnetic field (EMF) changes. These changes have been evaluated in a variety of settings including through novel induction sensors with an ultra-portable shielded helmet and EMF channels with differences identified by comparing pre-injury and post-injury states. Modulation of the EMF has undergone cursory evaluation in neurologic conditions but has not yet been fully evaluated for clinical effects in treatment. Target EMF stimulation using EMF-related changes preoperatively to postoperatively has not yet been attempted and has not been completed using induction sensor technology. Our objectives in this study were twofold: we wanted to test the hypothesis that targeted stimulation using an EMF signal generator and stimulator to abnormal thresholds identified by real-time measurement of EMFs may enable early resolution of EMF changes and treatment of the TBI as modeled through controlled cortical impact (CCI); we also aimed to assess the feasibility of attempting this using real-time measurements with an EMF shielded helmet with EMF channels and non-contact, non-invasive induction sensors with attached EMF transmitters in real-time. Methods A singular Yucatan miniswine was obtained and baseline EMF recordings were obtained. A CCI of TBI and postoperative assessment of cortical EMF in a non-invasive, non-contact fashion were completed. Alterations in EMF were evaluated and EMF stimulation using those abnormal frequencies was completed using multiple treatments involving three minutes of EMF stimulation at abnormal frequencies. Stimulation thresholds of 2.5 Hz, 3.5 Hz, and 5.5 Hz with 1 V signal intensity were evaluated using sinusoidal waves. Additionally, stimulation thresholds using differing offsets to the sine wave at -500 mV, 0 mV, and 500 mv were assessed. Daily EMF and post-stimulation EMF measurements were recorded. EMF patterns were then assessed using an artificial intelligence (AI) model. Results AI modeling appropriately identified differences in EMF signal in pre-injury, post-injury, and post-stimulation states. EMF stimulation using a positive offset of 500 mV appeared to have maximal beneficial effects in return to baseline. Similarly targeted stimulation using thresholds of 2.5 Hz and 5.5 Hz with a positive 500 mV offset at 1 V allowed for recovery of EMF patterns post-injury towards patterns seen in baseline EMF measurements on stimulation day seven (postoperative day 17). Conclusion Stimulation of neural circuits with targeted EMF in a sinusoidal pattern with targeted thresholds after measurement with induction sensors with shielding isolated to a Mu-metal and copper mesh helmet and EMF channels is efficacious in promoting neuronal circuit recovery to preoperative baselines in the TBI miniswine model. Similarly, our findings confirm the appropriateness of thi...

A Swine Model of Neural Circuit Electromagnetic Fields: Effects of Immediate Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Cortical Injury

“…Within the large animal literature, there are few studies that evaluate neural EMF and even fewer that evaluate the effects of targeted and individualized EMF stimulation on modulating cortical pathways. One such study did identify that there were differences within EMF measurements pre-injury, post-injury, and post-injury post-stimulation with a convergence of post-stimulation patterns towards those identified in the pre-operative, normal phase [4]. This study evaluated these effects after a brief waiting period to obtain post-operative measurements.…”

“…Swine models have been researched as translational models for traumatic brain injury (TBI) [1,2]. Within this model, evaluation of neural circuit-driven electromagnetic field (EMF) characteristics has occurred in the non-injured and post-TBI state [3,4]. These models have utilized controlled cortical impact (CCI) to simulate the incident TBI.…”

“…These models have utilized controlled cortical impact (CCI) to simulate the incident TBI. Interestingly, one study has also investigated the effects of modulation of this EMF through stimulating technologies [4].…”

“…Modulating the electromagnetic field has been under early investigation through smaller animal studies in a variety of neurologic disorders, including seizure, stroke, degenerative diseases, and even for differentiation of stem cells [7,[14][15][16]. Within the large animal world, there have been few investigations that have evaluated targeted electromagnetic field stimulation to a region of injury [4]. These studies have differed from TMS due to their targeted nature with stimulation built into the sensing probes [4].…”

“…Within the large animal world, there have been few investigations that have evaluated targeted electromagnetic field stimulation to a region of injury [4]. These studies have differed from TMS due to their targeted nature with stimulation built into the sensing probes [4].…”