Numerical Study on Human Brain Cortical Electrostimulation Assessment During Uniform Magnetic Field Exposure at Intermediate Frequencies

TL;DR

This study uses advanced computational models to assess human brain cortical electrostimulation during magnetic field exposure, confirming safety limits are conservative but highlighting variability and the need for guideline reevaluation.

Contribution

It introduces a multi-scale modeling approach integrating neuron and anatomical head models to evaluate CNS stimulation thresholds at intermediate frequencies.

Findings

Protection limits are mostly conservative with minimal non-compliance.

Significant intersubject variability in stimulation thresholds.

Safety margin decreases at higher frequencies.

Abstract

Objectives: Permissible limits have been established by international guidelines and standards for human protection to electromagnetic field exposure to prevent adverse health effects stemming from electrostimulation in the most sensitive body part. That is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in the intermediate frequency range (300 Hz to 100 kHz) and the central nervous system (CNS) at lower frequencies. However, there is a need to reevaluate protection limits against CNS electrostimulation in the intermediate frequency range, considering the importance of brain tissues during electromagnetic head exposure. This study aims to derive the level of CNS cortical stimulation to evaluate compliance with existing protection limits. Method: Multi-scale computation modelling was used to evaluate neuron stimulation thresholds by integrating individual neurons into realistic anatomical head models. Five different excitable membrane models within the motor cortex were examined across three human head models, providing the most comprehensive and extensive evaluation to date. Results: Current protection limits are confirmed as conservative, with non-compliance observed in only 0.02% and 2.4% of axons under clamped and sealed boundary conditions, respectively. The study highlights significant intersubject variability (up to 600% mean threshold) and clarifies the influence of neural excitation models on permissible level assessments. Conclusion: Current electric field limits are conservative for CNS electrostimulation in the intermediate frequencies range, but the margin of safety decreases at higher frequencies, warranting further evaluation. Impact: The findings and methodology contribute to the rationale and provide valuable insights for revising electromagnetic safety exposure guidelines.