Novel Method of Electromagnetic Field Measurements of the Human Brain

Abstract

IntroductionAdvancements in neuroimaging have changed the field of medicine. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically produce a static image of the brain, while continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) data is limited to the cortical surface. The brain's chemical reactions produce an electric circuit that generates a magnetic field. We seek to test the ability of a non-contact sensor to measure the human brain's electromagnetic field (EMF). MethodsA lightweight, inexpensive construct was designed to hold EMF sensors to non-invasively measure the human brain's dynamic EMF. Measurements were conducted on non-clinical human volunteers. Background data without the human subjects was obtained, followed by introducing human subjects. Motionless human subject data was obtained, followed by a subject performing a task. Finally, a subject received auditory stimulation, and data was obtained. ResultsOur non-contact sensor was able to detect a difference between background activity without a human subject and the electromagnetic field of a human brain within the scalp and skull. Detectable differences in magnetic field potential were also obtained when the subject performed a task and received auditory stimulation. ConclusionIt is possible to continuously measure living human brain dynamic electromagnetic fields throughout the entire brain in a non-contact, non-invasive, continuous manner through the human scalp and skull in the standard environment. The signals are unique to the individual human and can be differentiated from background activity.

Evaluating the Intrinsic Electromagnetic Field Generated by Neurons From Repetitive Motor Activities in Humans With a Non-contact Non-invasive Electromagnetic Helmet

“…The ability to sense the generation of EMF signals has been documented by Wiginton et al [3]. Anatomically, normal brain functions have been well described and localized physiologically such as generating and planning movement, processing auditory stimulus, visual imagining, and emotion [5].…”

“…Using a helmet with mu-metal shielding, copper mesh, and four Bx, By, Bz, and B319 proprietary electromagnetic passive sensors (QUASAR Federal Systems, San Diego, CA), electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of volunteer participants were identified and measured as described previously by Wiginton et al [3]. These sensors were then configured within a shielded helmet with sensors oriented towards the motor strip based on anatomical landmarks.…”

“…The utilized sensors were 18 inches long by 3/4 inches in diameter. Sensors are connected to amplifiers and were configured with a 10X gain/2 kilohertz gain/filter module as configured by Wiginton et al [3].…”

“…As preliminary testing identified that it was possible to sense cortical EMF activity using these proprietary sensors [3]. Initial testing was attempted to investigate if there was a baseline optimal position for testing tapping activities.…”

“…It has been found by Wiginton et al that this magnetic field can be measured in a non-invasive fashion using sensitive sensor technologies [3]. Accordingly, if this magnetic field can be measured it may also be correlated to normal activities of brain function.…”