Neurophysiological Effect of External Electromagnetic Field: A Computational Modeling

Abstract

The effect of an alternating external field on the pattern of an axon’s action potential and its propagation has been investigated by incorporating the effect of an alternating electric field in the nonlinear Hodgkin–Huxley cable model. The results illustrate that for a wide range of frequencies, the applied field is capable of stimulating the resting potential of the membrane. In addition to hyper-polarization state of the neuron which is inevitable for certain values of the electric field amplitude, there will be additional effects on the propagation of action potentials in the neuron. We have also studied the action potentials velocity and amplitude change in the presence of the external field while the fiber is firing. The initiation of action potential for an axon at rest exposed to external field is possible and during the firing of the neuron and under the influence of the external field, it will act as a velocity modifier, and the neuron will lower the amplitude of the action potentials.