Diagnostic Value of Microwaves in Neurological Disorders

AbstractLumbar puncture is a key diagnostic investigation in neurological diseases. The effect of microwaves on various biological tissues is an active area of research. This study describes a novel in-vitro method of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis using microwaves. Aim: To analyze normal and abnormal samples of CSF using microwave in the frequency range 2–3 GHz and to compare the variation of dielectric parameters of the CSF in the above frequency. Materials and methods: CSF of 34 patients admitted in the internal medicine ward during a six months period was analyzed for cells, protein and sugar content. The effect of microwaves on the CSF was measured using cavity perturbation technique and the dielectric properties in 2–3 GHz range were studied and compared. Conclusions: Microwaves, at frequencies of 2437 MHz, 2682 MHz and 2968 MHz, using the cavity perturbation technique can be used as a potential diagnostic tool in the analysis of CSF in diseases of the central nervous system.