| abstract |
The invention features an optical probe for non-invasive monitoring of neural activity. The optical probe includes a light source constructed to introduce electromagnetic radiation of a visible or infra-red wavelength into biological tissue at an input port; and a detector constructed to detect, at a detection port, radiation of the selected wavelength that has migrated in the biological tissue from the input port. The optical probe also includes a processor, receiving signals of the detected radiation, constructed and arranged to determine neural activity of the tissue by measuring scattering or absorptive properties of the tissue. The neural activity detected by the optical probe includes redistribution of K + , Na + and H 2 O, which may occur upon death, during hypoxia, ischemia, or other physiological process. |