THE NEURAL EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE IRRADIATION

Abstract

Microwave radiation has previously been shown to stimulate certain fibers of the peripheral nervous system. This is a nociceptive effect and is associated with the local heating of tissue to about 45 C. The nerves affected were found to be undamaged by microwave heating in spite of temporary damage to supporting tissue. The steady potentials of the central nervous system were found to change with the heating of peripheral nerve structures. The possibility for inducing changes in the steady potentials directly was considered, particularly in relation to certain microwave frequencies and pulse durations. Special electrodes were developed for long term measurement of cortical steady potentials in animal experiments. A radiometer was designed for the remote measurement of tissue surface temperature. This device is designed to indicate localized temperature increases such as might be expected in poorly vascularized regions with mocrowave irradiation. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1960
Accession Number
AD0257198

Entities

People

  • Lawrence R. Pinneo
  • Robert T. Nieset

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central Nervous System
  • Frequency
  • Measurement
  • Microwave Frequency
  • Microwaves
  • Nervous System
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Radiation
  • Surface Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Neuroscience
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.