Listmembers:
There have been several recent posts to the List about the use of
magnetic fields/energy in the treatment of PD. Several people have
already discussed their opinions (which I share) that magnetic fields
in the treatment of disease are quackery.
Here following are several abstracts from the literature regarding
experiments (often involving only one or two patients) in the
treatment of PD (and multiple sclerosis and other disorders) with
magnetic energy. "Pico-tesla", BTW, means *very weak* magnetic
fields. The journal in which much of this work was published (The
International Journal of Neuroscience) was, at the time *owned* by
one of the researchers (Dr. Sandyk). Note also that the co-author of
this work is using different treatments for PD these days.
Unique Identifier
95080907
Authors
Sandyk R. Iacono RP.
Institution
NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811.
Title
Reversal of micrographia in Parkinson's disease by application of
picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Source
International Journal of Neuroscience. 77(1-2):77-84, 1994 Jul.
Abstract
Micrographia, a common and often early sign of Parkinson's disease
(PD), is a sensitive clinical marker of the severity of bradykinesia
and rigidity in the disease. As micrographia may be reversed by
treatment with dopaminergic drugs and may emerge during therapy with
neuroleptic agents, it is thought to reflect striatal dopaminergic
deficiency. It has been reported recently that external application
of picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) produced a dramatic
improvement in the motor symptoms of PD suggesting that these weak
MF enhance striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission. In the present
communication, we present a 61 year old patient with PD in whom
picoTesla range MF attenuated the severity of bradykinesia and
rigidity, improved postural stability, and rapidly reversed the
micrographia within 30 minutes after termination of treatment. In
contrast, sham (placebo) MF did not influence the severity of the
motor symptoms of the disease or the associated micrographia. This
report demonstrates the antiParkinsonian effect of picoTesla range
MF and highlights the unique efficacy of these weak MF in the
therapy of Parkinsonism.
1
AN 95130314.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Improvement by picoTesla range magnetic fields of
perceptual-motor performance and visual memory in a patient
with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1994 Sep. 78(1-2). P 53-66.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB The occurrence of cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis
(MS) has been recognized since 1877 when Charcot first
observed "enfeeblement of memory." It is now recognized that
visuoperceptive and visuomotor deficits commonly occur in MS
patients particularly in those with a chronic progressive course
of the disease. Using various drawing tests as markers of
constructional performance, we reported recently that treatment
with picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) rapidly improved
visuoperceptive and constructional abilities in patients with MS.
We now report a 58 year old man with a 37 year history of chronic
progressive MS in whom external application of MF in the
picoTesla range produced rapid improvement of neurologic symptoms
including walking, balance, sensory symptoms, and bladder
functions. The patient's recovery was associated with a
significant improvement in perceptual-motor functions as
demonstrated on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and the Trail
Making tests. Specifically, the patient demonstrated a 41%
improvement over pretest values on copying the Complex figure and
a 72% improvement in recall of the figure immediately after MF
treatment. A further 4% improvement on copying the figure and a
27% improvement on recall was demonstrated 24 hours later. On the
Trail Making test the patient demonstrated an overall improvement
of 39% in Part A of the test and a 24% improvement in Part B of
the test 24 hours after application of MF. These findings confirm
the beneficial effects of picoTesla range MF in the treatment of
MS and demonstrate the unique efficacy of this treatment modality
in improving some of the cognitive deficits of the disease.
2
AN 95130307.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Naltrexone attenuates the antiparkinsonian effects of
picoTesla range magnetic fields.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1994 Sep. 78(1-2). P 111-22.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB Extracranial treatment with magnetic fields (MF) in the
picoTesla range has been shown an efficacious treatment
modality in the management of Parkinsonism. The mechanisms by
which such extremely weak MF improve Parkinsonian symptoms are
unknown. As the pineal gland has been shown to function as a
"magnetosensor" and since exposure to various intensities of MF
disrupts melatonin secretion, it has been proposed that the
beneficial effects of MF in Parkinsonism are partly mediated
through the actions of pineal melatonin. Animal studies indicate
that externally applied MF also influence the activity of the
opioid peptides which have been implicated in a broad range of
pathological conditions including Parkinsonism. To explore
whether the beneficial effects of MF in Parkinsonism involve the
mediation of the opioid systems and following informed consent,
we administered the opiate receptor antagonist naltrexone (50 mg,
P.O.) to a Parkinsonian patient after he showed improvement of
symptoms with application of MF. Results of the trial showed that
naltrexone partially reversed the antiparkinsonian effects of MF
thus suggesting that opioid peptides are involved in mediating
the clinical effects of these extremely weak MF in Parkinsonism.
These results also suggest that intact opioid systems may be
required for a full expression of the antiparkinsonian effect of
picoTesla range MF.
3
AN 95080907.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Reversal of micrographia in Parkinson's disease by application
of picoTesla range magnetic fields.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1994 Jul. 77(1-2). P 77-84.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB Micrographia, a common and often early sign of Parkinson's
disease (PD), is a sensitive clinical marker of the severity of
bradykinesia and rigidity in the disease. As micrographia may be
reversed by treatment with dopaminergic drugs and may emerge
during therapy with neuroleptic agents, it is thought to reflect
striatal dopaminergic deficiency. It has been reported recently
that external application of picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF)
produced a dramatic improvement in the motor symptoms of PD
suggesting that these weak MF enhance striatal dopaminergic
neurotransmission. In the present communication, we present a 61
year old patient with PD in whom picoTesla range MF attenuated
the severity of bradykinesia and rigidity, improved postural
stability, and rapidly reversed the micrographia within 30
minutes after termination of treatment. In contrast, sham
(placebo) MF did not influence the severity of the motor symptoms
of the disease or the associated micrographia. This report
demonstrates the antiParkinsonian effect of picoTesla range MF
and highlights the unique efficacy of these weak MF in the
therapy of Parkinsonism.
4
AN 95013063.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Multiple sclerosis: improvement of visuoperceptive functions
by picoTesla range magnetic fields.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1994 Jan-Feb. 74(1-4). P 177-89.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB The occurrence of cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis
(MS) has been recognized since 1877 when Charcot first
observed "enfeeblement of memory" in his patients. Recent
studies employing standardized neuropsychological tests have
confirmed the high incidence of cognitive deficits in MS patients
particularly those with a chronic progressive course of the
disease. Visuoperceptive and visuomotor deficits commonly occur
in MS patients and are thought to reflect damage to attentional
systems due to interruption by demyelinating plaques of nerve
conduction along the ascending projections from the brainstem
reticular formation to the cortex. Impairment of synaptic
conductivity due to serotoninergic depletion (5-HT) may
contribute to the emergence of cognitive deficits in MS. The
present communication concerns a 36 year old patient with MS in
whom external application of picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF)
resulted in rapid improvement of symptoms including
visuoperceptive functions as demonstrated on various drawing
tasks. The report confirms the efficacy of picoTesla range MF in
the treatment of MS and demonstrates beneficial effects on
cognitive functions as well.
5
AN 94342041.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Resolution of longstanding symptoms of multiple sclerosis by
application of picoTesla range magnetic fields.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1993 Jun. 70(3-4). P 255-69.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB Recent clinical reports have suggested that treatment with
extremely weak magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla range is an
efficacious modality for the symptomatic therapy in patients with
multiple sclerosis (MS) during the remission and exacerbation
periods of the disease. The present communication concerns a 64
year old woman with a 22 year history of MS of the
chronic-progressive type who presented with a longstanding
history of ataxia of gait, weakness in the legs, difficulties
with swallowing, loss of bladder control, blurred vision,
diplopia, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment. In this
patient two 30 minute treatments with MF on two separate days
resulted in a dramatic improvement of symptoms. Specifically, the
patient experienced marked improvement in balance and gait as
well as increased strength in the legs to the extent that she was
able to abandon the use of a walker within 48 hours after
initiation of magnetic treatment. In addition, there was complete
resolution of diplopia, bladder dysfunction, and fatigue with
improvement in mood and cognitive functions. The report attests
to the unique efficacy of extremely weak MF in the symptomatic
treatment of patients with MS including those patients with a
chronic progressive course of the disease and supports the
hypothesis that dysfunction of synaptic conductivity due to
neurotransmitter deficiency specifically of serotonin rather than
demyelination underlies the neurologic deficits of the disease.
6
AN 94342040.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Rapid improvement of visuoperceptive functions by picoTesla
range magnetic fields in patients with Parkinson's disease.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1993 Jun. 70(3-4). P 233-54.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB Impairment in perceptual motor or visuospatial tasks is among
the most frequently encountered abnormality in
neuropsychological testing of patients with Parkinson's
disease, being present in up to 90% of cases. Visuoperceptive
deficits can result from cortical and subcortical lesions
involving the right hemisphere, thalamus, and basal ganglia and
are thought to reflect a defect in attentional-arousal mechanisms
induced by lesions that interrupt a cortical-limbic-reticular
activating loop. Clinically, the presence of visuoperceptive
impairment may not be noted by Parkinsonian patients but may
contribute to various disabilities including difficulty driving a
vehicle and difficulties performing daily tasks which require
intact visuospatial abilities (i.e., walking, dressing, drawing
and copying designs). The present communication concerns two
fully medicated Parkinsonian patients who responded to
extracranial treatment with picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF),
behaviorally and also demonstrated rapidly and dramatically
enhanced visuoperceptive functions as demonstrated on various
drawing tasks. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of
extremely weak MF in enhancing cognitive functions in patients
with Parkinson's disease.
7
AN 94179034.
AU Sandyk-R. Iacono-R-P.
IN NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811. TI
Reversal of visual neglect in Parkinson's disease by treatment with
picoTesla range magnetic fields.
RF REVIEW ARTICLE: 137 REFS.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1993 Nov. 73(1-2). P 93-107.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article. review. review-tutorial.
AB Visual neglect and impairment in perceptual motor or visuospatial
tasks are among the most frequently encountered abnormalities in
neuropsychological testing of patients with Parkinson's disease,
being present in up to 90% of patients. It has been proposed that
neglect reflects an attentional-arousal deficit induced by
lesions that interrupt a cortical-limbic-reticular loop.
Recently, we have reported that application of extracranial
magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla range was efficacious in
reducing the severity of the motor disability of Parkinsonism as
well as improving some of the cognitive abnormalities associated
with the disease such as visuoperceptive deficits. We now present
a 61 year old fully medicated Parkinsonian patient in whom rapid
reversal of left visual neglect as well as improvement in
visuoconstructional (drawing) performance was noted immediately
after a single external application of MF. We propose that this
effect was related to enhancement of directed attention through a
mechanism involving an interaction between the pineal gland,
which is considered a "magnetosensor," and the reticular
formation which mediates arousal and attention. This report
demonstrates the efficacy of extremely weak MF in reversing some
of the cognitive abnormalities in Parkinsonism, notably neglect
and visuoperceptive deficits, which contribute significantly to
impairment of the patient's daily living activities.
8
AN 92406351.
AU Sandyk-R. Kay-S-R. Awerbuch-G-I. Iacono-R-P.
IN Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of
Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461.
TI Risk factors for neuroleptic-induced movement disorders.
SO Int-J-Neurosci. 1991 Dec. 61(3-4). P 149-88.
JT INTERNATIONAL-JOURNAL-OF-NEUROSCIENCE
LG eng.
PT journal-article.
AB Chronic neuroleptic therapy may be associated with the
development of
diverse movement disorders including Tardive dyskinesia (TD),
Parkinsonism, dystonia, and akathisia in a subset of
schizophrenic patients. It is presently unknown why only a
proportion of neuroleptic-treated patients develop these movement
disorders. In the following communication, we present a series of
studies which demonstrate that the development of these movement
disorders may be facilitated by certain risk factors including
disturbances in pineal melatonin functions, diabetes mellitus,
cognitive deficits, suicidal behavior, and disturbances in the
functions of the choroid plexus. Recognition of these biological
factors may prove useful in: (a) further understanding of the
pathophysiology of these disorders, and (b) identifying patients
at risk for these movement disorders.
9
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For everyone's information.
Best,
Bob
***********************************
ROBERT A. FINK, M. D., F.A.C.S.
Neurological Surgery
2500 Milvia Street Suite 222
Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA
Phone: (510) 849-2555 FAX: (510) 849-2557
WWW: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/>
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"Ex Tristitia Virtus"
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