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Intermittent burst-firing weak (1 microTesla) magnetic fields reduce psychometric depression in patients who
Laura Baker-Price1, M A Persinger
1Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON Canada.
Abstract:
14 patients who reported chronic depression more than one year after closed head injuries were exposed to weak (1 microTesla), burst-firing magnetic fields either across the temporal lobes or over the left frontal lobe. The treatment was for 30 min. once per week for 6 wk. The reduction in depression scores after 5 wk. of treatments and after 6 wk. of no treatment (follow-up) accommodated 54% of the variance for both groups. The changes in depression scores did not differ significantly between the two groups (temporal vs frontal). Following treatment, the frequency of complex partial epileptic-like experiences decreased significantly only for the 7 who received the bilateral stimulation over the temporal lobes. Quantitative bipolar electroencephalographic measurements over the occipital, prefrontal, and temporal regions showed increased power within the 16-Hz to 18-Hz range 6 wk. after termination of treatment for those 7 patients who received the burst-firing magnetic fields bilaterally over the temporal lobes but not over the left prefrontal region.
Insights
Weak magnetic field therapy effectively reduced chronic depression in patients with prior head injuries. Both temporal and frontal lobe stimulation showed similar depression score improvements, with temporal lobe stimulation also decreasing seizure-like experiences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Chronic depression can persist for over a year following closed head injuries.
- Limited treatment options exist for post-traumatic depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of weak, burst-firing magnetic field therapy for chronic depression after head injury.
- To compare the effects of temporal lobe versus left frontal lobe stimulation.
Main Methods:
- 14 patients with chronic depression post-head injury received 6 weeks of 30-minute weekly magnetic field treatments.
- Stimulation was applied either bilaterally over the temporal lobes or over the left frontal lobe.
- Depression scores and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity were measured.
Main Results:
- A 54% reduction in depression scores was observed after 5 weeks of treatment and at 6-week follow-up.
- No significant difference in depression score changes was found between temporal and frontal lobe stimulation groups.
- Complex partial epileptic-like experiences decreased significantly only in the temporal lobe stimulation group.
- EEG showed increased 16-18 Hz power in the temporal lobe group 6 weeks post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Weak magnetic field therapy shows promise for treating chronic depression after head injury.
- Bilateral temporal lobe stimulation may offer additional benefits, including reduced seizure-like experiences and altered EEG patterns.
- Further research is warranted to optimize treatment parameters and understand underlying mechanisms.
