Block of Mammalian Motor Nerve Conduction Using High Frequency Alternating Current

High frequency alternating current waveforms have been shown to produce a rapidly reversible nerve block in animal models. Acute in-vivo experiments were carried out in a rat model. A blocking electrode was placed on the sciatic nerve and motor nerve block quantified by measuring force output of the gastrocnemius muscle. Sinusoidal waveforms in the range of 10 kHz to 30 kHz were tested. The results indicate that a 100% nerve block of motor activity can be accomplished at all the frequencies tested. The block is complete and quickly reversible. Block thresholds (peak to peak voltage of the waveform) were measured and showed a linear relationship to frequency. Block was obtained with the lowest voltage at 10 KHz. It was also demonstrated that the block is not produced indirectly through fatigue. This type of nerve block may have multiple applications in the treatment of spasticity and pain