Measuring Electromagnetic Field Activity Generated by Neurons In Vivo by Humans With Thoughts of Repetitive Motor Activities and Emotional Thoughts

Abstract

Background In this study, a novel method of electromagnetic field (EMF) measurements of the human brain has been performed to evaluate neuronal activity. This measurement in a non-contact, non-invasive, continuous manner through the human skull and scalp in the standard environment is completed through a lightweight inexpensive helmet. We sought to further delineate whether specific activities of complex thought can be identified using this non-invasive technique. Methodology Non-clinical human subject volunteers donned a lightweight helmet with attached sensors and performed activities of motor movement, specific motor imagery, and specific emotional imagery synchronized to an audible tone for consistency. The human subjects' brain EMF was recorded and analyzed. Results The novel method of continuously recording real-time human brain EMF was able to determine differing brain activity between individuals performing motor movement, motor imagery, and emotional imagery in a non-contact manner at different distances from the scalp. Conclusions It may be possible to measure specific human brain activity using EMF in a non-invasive fashion. Emotional imagery, motor imagery, and motor movement generate different EMFs that have different discernible forms compared to baseline activity.