Computational Study of high frequency nerve stimulation with transdermal amplitude modulated signal

A transcutaneous amplitude modulated signal (TAMS), in which a high frequency (012 kHz) sinusoidal carrier is modulated by a traditional rectangular pulse, was proposed as a non-invasive neurostimulation approach that can modulate bladder activity similarly to direct pudendal nerve stimulation. The use of high frequency waveforms for TES is suggested by the reduced impedance of the skin with increasing frequency Thus, it may be possible to reach deeper structures by adding high frequency components to the stimulation waveform .We implemented a multilayer volume conductor model including dispersion and capacitive effects, coupled to a cable model of a nerve fiber. We simulated voltage- and current-controlled transcutaneous stimulation, and quantified the effects of frequency on the distribution of potentials and fiber excitation. Our model suggests that high-frequency signals generate larger potentials at depth than low frequencies. However, incorporating kHz signals in the stimulation waveform does not necessarily facilitate fiber excitation

Keywords:

electrical stimulation , overactive bladder , high-frequency nerve stimulation , transdermal amplitude modulated signal