Does Exposure to Diagnostic Ultrasound Modulate Human Nerve Responses to Magnetic Stimulation?

Neil W. Bailey*, Philip M. Lewis, Richard H.S. Thomson, Jerome J. Maller, Paul Junor, Paul B. Fitzgerald

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) at diagnostic frequency and power is known to alter nerve potentials; however, the precise mechanism of action is unknown. We investigated whether US alters resting nerve potential to lower the threshold for magnetic nerve stimulation. Seventeen healthy subjects were recruited. For each subject, a 1.5 MHz US imaging probe was placed onto the elbow with the beam directed at the ulnar nerve. The probe was coupled to the skin using standard acoustic coupling gel as would be done for a routine clinical US scan. Ulnar nerve stimulation was performed simultaneously with magnetic stimulation (MS). Successful magnetic stimulation of the ulnar nerve was confirmed with nerve potentials measured by electromyography. There was no significant change in electromyography signal when MS was performed during US exposure. US at the diagnostic frequency and power tested does not alter nerve thresholds with MS. Testing at other frequencies is required, however, before US is negated as a technique to modify MS thresholds.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2950-2956
Number of pages7
JournalUltrasound in Medicine and Biology
Volume42
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2016
Externally publishedYes

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