Evaluation of nerve function by source estimation based on anatomical location of brachial plexus

Introduction: Magnetoneurography of the brachial plexus (BP) in the prone position places some burden on subjects. We report here the consistent evaluation and visualization of nerve activity in the BP and cervical spinal cord in the supine position. Method: Magnetoneurography was performed around the surface of the posterior neck after median nerve stimulation in 3 healthy volunteers. Evoked action currents were computationally reconstructed and visualized by a spatial filtering method in the area set based on the anatomical position of the BP. Imaginary electrodes were set along the action current pathway and current waveforms were calculated. Result: In all cases, we successfully visualized action currents in the BP and cervical spinal cord in the supine position. Reconstructed action currents flowed into the intervertebral foramina and traveled cranially along the spinal canal. Conclusion: We demonstrated an evaluation method for the BP and cervical spinal cord in the less burdensome supine position. © 2021, Japan Soc. of Med. Electronics and Biol. Engineering. All rights reserved.