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Abstract

The mechanisms of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) induced by the fast switching of MRI gradient coils are only partially understood, stimulation sites and E-field (or dB/dt) thresholds show large inter-subject variability and neurostimulation models based on the amphibian SENN axon model are not ideal. We propose a 3 level computational investigation that combines analysis of E-field exposure, of activation functions, and of multi-parametric EM-electrophysiological simulations in neuro-functionalized human models for different axon models and gradient waveforms. Results concerning E-field/dB/dt thresholds values and sites of neurostimulation are compared with published experimental data. A functional uncertainty analysis is also provided.