Translating node of Ranvier currents to extraneural electrical fields: a flexible FEM modeling approach

Simulations of electroneurogram recording could help find the optimal set of electrodes and algorithms for selective neural recording. However, no flexible methods are established for selective neural recording as for neural stimulation. This paper proposes a method to couple a compartmental and a FEM nerve model, implemented in NEURON and COMSOL, respectively, to translate Node of Ranvier currents into extraneural electric fields. The study simulate ex-vivo experimental conditions, and the method allows flexibility in electrode geometries and nerve topologies. This model has been made available in a public repository4. So far, the model behavior complies with available experimental results and expectations from literature. There is good agreement in terms of signal amplitude and waveform, and computational times are acceptable, leaving room for flexible simulation studies complementary to animal tests.