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Brain & Nervous System

Electromagnetic interference of GSM mobile phones with the implantable deep brain stimulator, ITREL-III.

No Effects Found

Kainz W, Alesch F, Chan DD. · 2003

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Deep brain stimulators showed no interference from standard GSM phones, but basic precautions like using phones away from implants remain wise.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested whether GSM mobile phones interfere with deep brain stimulators (devices implanted in the brain to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease) by exposing the ITREL-III stimulator to signals from 20 different phones in laboratory conditions. They found no influence on the device from the GSM phones, which transmit at a maximum peak power of 1 W at 1800 MHz and 2 W at 900 MHz, though tests with continuous-wave signals showed the device could be inhibited at frequency-dependent power levels below those emissions. The study concluded that patients with these brain implants can safely use GSM phones with basic precautions.

Why This Matters

This study addresses a critical safety question for the growing population of patients with implanted medical devices. While the researchers found no interference at typical phone power levels, their discovery that the device becomes vulnerable at higher frequencies around 1500 MHz deserves attention. The reality is that wireless technology has evolved significantly since 2003, with newer phones operating at different frequencies and power levels. What this means for you is that if you have a deep brain stimulator, the basic precautions recommended here remain sensible: use your phone on the opposite side of your implant and avoid carrying it directly against your body near the device. However, given the rapid evolution of wireless technology, patients should stay informed about newer research and consult with their physicians about current device compatibility.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz - 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHz - 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz

Study Details

The purpose was to investigate mobile phone interference with implantable deep brain stimulators by means of 10 different 900 Mega Hertz (MHz) and 10 different 1800 MHz GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) mobile phones.

All tests were performed in vitro using a phantom especially developed for testing with deep brain s...

Despite a maximum transmitted peak power of mobile phones of 1 Watt (W) at 1800 MHz and 2 W at 900 M...

These investigations do not indicate a direct risk for ITREL-III patients using the tested GSM phones. Based on the interference levels found with CW signals, which are below the mobile phone emissions, we recommend similar precautions as for patients with cardiac pacemakers: 1. The phone should be used at the ear at the opposite side of the implant and 2. The patient should avoid carrying the phone close to the implant.

Cite This Study
Kainz W, Alesch F, Chan DD. (2003). Electromagnetic interference of GSM mobile phones with the implantable deep brain stimulator, ITREL-III. Biomed Eng Online 2(1):11, 2003.
Show BibTeX
@article{w_2003_electromagnetic_interference_of_gsm_3127,
  author = {Kainz W and Alesch F and Chan DD.},
  title = {Electromagnetic interference of GSM mobile phones with the implantable deep brain stimulator, ITREL-III.},
  year = {2003},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12773204/},
}
PubMed: 12773204

Cited By (19 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows GSM cell phones don't interfere with deep brain stimulators at normal power levels. A 2003 study testing 20 phones found no disruption to the ITREL-III device, though basic precautions like using the phone on the opposite side of the implant are recommended.
Yes, patients with deep brain stimulators can safely use GSM phones according to laboratory testing. The study found no interference from phones operating at standard power levels (1-2 watts), though doctors recommend keeping phones away from the implant site.
GSM phones don't affect deep brain stimulation devices used for Parkinson's treatment at normal operating power. Testing showed the ITREL-III stimulator maintained proper function when exposed to signals from 20 different phones, with no pulse changes or failures observed.
Cell phone risks to brain implants are minimal based on current research. A comprehensive study found no interference between GSM phones and deep brain stimulators at typical power levels, though patients should follow basic precautions similar to pacemaker guidelines.
Mobile phones don't impact brain stimulation devices at normal power levels according to laboratory testing. The research showed GSM phones operating at standard 1-2 watt power didn't disrupt device function, pulse timing, or electrical output in controlled conditions.