Doctoral theses of the School of Electrical Engineering are available in the open access repository maintained by Aalto, Aaltodoc.
Public defence in Biosensing and Bioelectronics, M.Sc.(Tech.) Janita Nissi
Public defence from the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation
The title of the thesis: Fooling senses with electrical and magnetic stimulation of the retina and vestibular system
Thesis defender: Janita Nissi
Opponent: Prof. Walter Paulus, Ludwig Maximilians University, München, Germany
Custos: Prof. Ilkka Laakso, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering
Human sensory organs are highly specialised systems that gather information about the world in order for us to go about our daily lives. These organs react to changes in the environment or body state and generate sensory information for the brain in the form of electrical signals. However, the normal sensory process can be bypassed by stimulating the sensory organs directly with electricity to generate artificial sensations. For example, electrical stimulation of the retina at the back of the eye creates visions of blinking lights, whereas stimulation of the vestibular system inside the ear causes sensations of altered balance or movement.
The research investigated the stimulation of the retina and vestibular system with noninvasive electrical and magnetic stimulation. The stimulation produces electric fields and currents inside the head and into the sensory organs. The research aimed to estimate the properties of the electric fields that lead to artificial sensations by combining experimental measurements with state-of-the-art computational modelling based on realistic anatomical models.
The findings provide realistic data on the strength and variability of the electric fields in the sensory organs. The estimates can be used to prevent unwanted sensory stimulation or used to study the underlying sensory mechanisms. Furthermore, the findings could be beneficial for the future development of therapeutic stimulation applications that aim to help patients suffering from retinal or vestibular dysfunctions, or in the revision of international health and safety guidelines that protect humans from adverse electromagnetic field reactions.
Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at .
Doctoral theses of the School of Electrical Engineering
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