Aurora-Associated Geomagnetic Activity and Health: A Review With Focus on Neurological Implications

Geomagnetic activity (GMA), particularly during auroras, has emerged as an intriguing area of research due to its potential health impact. Prior studies indicate that fluctuations in geomagnetic fields can affect diverse physiological and psychological outcomes. The aim of this article is to comprehensively review the impact of GMA on neurological health with an emphasis on implications for patients potentially undergoing a neurosurgical procedure or neurologic/psychiatric assessment. A comprehensive literature review was therefore performed, examining peer-reviewed articles sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar. The focus was on evaluating potential correlations between geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) and a range of health outcomes, particularly in relation to neurosurgical, neurological and neuropsychiatric contexts. Reported associations included: increased seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy, sleep disturbances affecting recovery, and cognitive impairments that may complicate patient consent processes. Additionally, heightened stress and anxiety levels during geomagnetic storms could pose challenges for patient management in surgical settings. This review underlines that such disturbances can potentially result in significant postoperative complications, particularly in the elderly, necessitating enhanced monitoring and tailored care strategies. Understanding the diverse effects of GMA on health is essential for optimizing patient outcomes, particularly in surgical procedures. This review highlights the need for further research to elucidate underlying GMA-triggered molecular mechanisms and establish evidence-based guidelines that consider geomagnetic conditions in neurological/neuropsychiatric evaluations, surgical planning and postoperative care, especially for vulnerable populations. An enhanced awareness among neurosurgeons, psychiatrist, neurologist and healthcare providers is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects of GMA on patient health and optimize recovery.