Diagnostic Value of Microwaves in Neurological Disorders

UNLABELLED: Lumbar 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.