Abstract
This paper introduces a microwave-based approach that aims to non-invasively measure water, particularly cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, in the human brain. The microwave measurement technique is well-known in industrial applications. More recently microwave techniques have awakened interest also in biomedical applications. This is the first time it is suggested to be utilized in measurements of brain water, particularly of CSF. Two different head phantoms were built in order to validate the sensitivity of the technique to sense dynamic variations of CSF and water volume inside a human skull. These were comprised of multilayered head phantom, including a real human skull, mimicking the electromagnetic properties of a human head. In addition, the variation of the CSF is evaluated with electromagnetic simulations using a planar layer model and a hemispherical layer model. Moreover, propagation and power flow inside the head model is evaluated using 2D power flow presentations. Reflection sensor principle was selected due to its simplicity and ability to measure relatively thick samples. Importantly, reflection sensor requires only one-port measurement making it very feasible for in vivo brain monitoring. In addition, the measurement setup does not require attachment of the sensor to the head, thus the measurement can be realized also without touching the head. Our experimental study as well as simulation results demonstrated the possibility to non-invasively sense, by microwaves, small dynamic variations in CSF volume in the brain, in particularly in the subarachnoid space.
Highlights
Brain monitoring devices are used to monitor and diagnose neurological conditions by exploring the structure and functions of the brain
Electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography (MEG), transcranial doppler (TCD) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy are the techniques used for studies of brain functionality [1]
The reflection sensor principle was selected for the measurement because the phantoms are formed from multiple layers and they are relatively thick both physically and electrically
Summary
Brain monitoring devices are used to monitor and diagnose neurological conditions by exploring the structure and functions of the brain. These devices provide the information of the brain and greater understanding of neurological problems, with possible new treatments. Among these devices computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the conventional devices, which are being used for the structural diagnosis of the brain, for example when detect-. Pre-clinical studies show its potential in detection of brain tumors and hemorrhagic strokes [2]. Its capability to detect changes in water content inside the skull have not yet been reported
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