Field distribution of epidural electrical stimulation

Xiaobo Xie; Hong yan Cui; Shengpu Xu; Yong Hu

doi:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2013.08.006

Field distribution of epidural electrical stimulation

Comput Biol Med. 2013 Nov;43(11):1673-9. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2013.08.006. Epub 2013 Aug 21.

Authors

Xiaobo Xie¹, Hong yan Cui, Shengpu Xu, Yong Hu

Affiliation

¹ Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China.

PMID: 24209912
DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2013.08.006

Abstract

Epidural electrical stimulation has been applied in clinics for many years. However, there is still a concern about possible injury to spinal nerves. This study investigated electrical field and current density distribution during direct epidural electrical stimulation. Field distribution models were theoretically deduced, while the distribution of potentials and current were analyzed. The current density presented an increase of 70-80%, with one peak value ranging from -85° to 85° between the two stimulated poles. The effect of direct epidural electrical stimulation is mainly on local tissue surrounding the electrodes, concentrated around the two stimulated positions.

Keywords: Current density distribution; Electrical field distribution; Epidural electrical stimulation; Spinal cord.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Electric Stimulation*
Electrodes
Electromagnetic Fields*
Epidural Space
Humans
Models, Theoretical*
Spinal Cord* / anatomy & histology
Spinal Cord* / physiology