New Non-Invasive Method for Monitoring Involuntary Nervous System Activity

Researchers at the University of San Diego have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neurology. A team led by UC San Diego has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a wearable, non-invasive device that can measure activity in human cervical nerves in clinical settings. This device, known as Autonomic Neurography (ANG), is capable of recording neural activity from the human vagus and carotid sinus nerves, as well as other autonomic nerves located in the skin and muscle of the neck.

The vagus nerve, often referred to as a "superhighway" of the involuntary nervous system, plays a crucial role in influencing various bodily functions such as digestion, heart rate, and the immune system. By monitoring activity in these nerves, medical professionals can gain valuable insights into the body's response to stress and inflammation, providing an early warning sign of potential health issues.

In a recent study published in Nature Communications Biology, the research team introduced a flexible, adhesive-integrated electrode array designed to detect deep neural activity in a simulated clinical hyperinflammatory model. This innovative approach aims to offer a real-time and clinically proven tool for assessing levels of activity in the involuntary nervous system without the need for invasive procedures.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on surgically implanted microelectrodes, the new device utilizes a technique called "magnetoneurography" to accurately measure cervical nerve firing in real-time. By detecting the magnetic fields generated by the vagus and carotid sinus nerves, the device can effectively alert the involuntary nervous system to potential threats, allowing for timely intervention and monitoring.

During the study, the device was tested on nine adult human subjects who were induced into a temporary hyperinflammatory state using bacteria-sourced toxins. By monitoring nerve activity below the right ear and over the right carotid artery, researchers were able to observe changes in heart rate and magnetic fields associated with nerve activity. These changes were found to correlate with the release of inflammatory proteins in the patients' blood samples, highlighting the device's ability to provide valuable insights into the body's inflammatory response.