Modulating cerebrospinal fluid flow by magnetohydrodynamic force

Abstract

Approximately one in 20,000 individuals experiences a neurological disorder each year due to disturbances in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow within the brain's ventricles. Consequently, developing treatment methods to modify and regulate CSF flow is crucial for addressing these dilemmas. In this study, the effect of MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) force on the fluid flow characteristics of CSF inside a three-dimensional (3D) model of the Cerebral Ventricular System (CVS) is numerically investigated. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is employed to rebuild the brain's geometry via image reconstruction software. Both invasive methods, which involve inserting electrodes and magnets into the brain, and non-invasive methods, which involve placing electrodes and magnets on the brain's surface, are studied numerically. The results of these two methods are then compared. Under MHD force, the pressure inside the third and lateral ventricles is reduced by 18 %. Additionally, there is a significant local increase in the CSF transportation speed from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle. Furthermore, incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) strengthens the MHD force, resulting in an increased pressure differential between the third and fourth ventricles.