Physicians for Safe Technology

Wireless Technology and Public Health

Nervous System Effects

Scientific Literature

Updated 3/24/23

The brain and nervous system are considered by many scientists to be the most sensitive target organ for microwave radiation.  This is a partial list of morphologic and neurophysiologic nervous system effects from microwave radio frequency radiation. This includes damage to  hippocampus (spatial memory) and cerebellar structures, impairment of long-term potentiation (involved in learning), decrease in neurotransmitter concentrations (mood), reduction in synaptic vesicle number, demyelination (nerve cell protection), oxidative stress, DNA damage and stem cell injury with disruption of development. Behavioral changes are also included. Dr. Henry Lai published a comprehensive summary of the literature in a chapter, Neurobiological Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation,  published in Mobile Communications and Public Health(2018) pg 187-222.

Pregnant Women and Children are More Vulnerable to Harm

There are critical periods of vulnerability in the complex development of the brain which can be damaged resulting in significant varied effects on mature brain function. Pregnant women and young children are especially susceptible to harm from exposure to all toxic substances, including radio frequency radiation, however young adults are also at risk as brain development is not complete in the human until about age 26. Disorders of learning, memory and behavior have been found in these studies with prenatal exposure.  The child and adolescent brain continue to mature and are vulnerable as well. Damage to learning and memory can occur throughout development with hippocampus damage. The elderly who may have diminished neural functioning are also more vulnerable to harm. With long term use there is an increased risk of  cancer with exposure to radiofrequency radiation. Those with a chronic illness or significant prior toxic exposure are also at risk and may be more likely to develop electrohypersensitivity.

Neurologic injury includes:

  • Oxidative Stress
  • Demyelination of nerves
  • Alternation of neurotransmitters
  • Hormonal changes
  • Hippocampus alterations
  • Memory loss
  • Neurodegeneration
  • Blood brain barrier opening

Relevant review articles on brain development and toxic exposures are included at the end of this list.

Seizures and Radiofrequency Radiation – Also note several articles on Seizures are listed separately at the end of this page. Here are short links- Azmy (2020) ; Bonilla-Jaime H et al (2021);  Cinar N et al (2013) ;  Goldberg-Stern H et al.  (2102);  Kouchaki  (2016);   Lopez-Martin E et al  (2009);  Lopez-Martin E et al  (2006)

Tik Tok Tics in Teenagers- This new pandemic of tic in teenagers is now recognized but are they related to the radiofrequency radiation from the device itself and not just psychogenic?  Dr. Robert Turner, pediatric neurologist and founder of Network Neurology Health, discusses EEG changes in those with tics reported from Tik Tok and explains how these appear to be from light or radiofrequency radiation from the device itself.

Tik Tok Tics Tik Tok Tics & EMF-Related Health Problems by Dr. Robert Turner. 2022.

See also: 

Review Articles

Newest Articles

Published Articles Nervous System Effects

Seizures and RFR

Other Related Articles on Brain Development

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