Convulsive threshold in humans and rats and magnetic field changes: observations during total solar eclipse

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Geophysics
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) is a medical procedure that involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
• Convulsive thresholds are a measure of the electrical stimulus required to induce a seizure.
• Geomagnetic field variations can potentially influence biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a total solar eclipse on convulsive thresholds in psychiatric patients and rats.
• To explore the correlation between geomagnetic field variations and changes in neurological excitability.

Main Methods:

• Convulsive thresholds were measured in 26 psychiatric patients receiving electroconvulsive treatment.
• Convulsive thresholds were measured in 8 rats subjected to electroconvulsive shocks.
• Measurements were taken on the day of the total solar eclipse (February 16th, 1980) and on control days.
• Geomagnetic field variations were recorded.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in convulsive thresholds was observed in both human patients and rats during the solar eclipse.
• The observed reduction in convulsive thresholds correlated with a geomagnetic field variation of 19 Gammas.
• This suggests a potential link between geomagnetic activity and neurological excitability.

Conclusions:

• Total solar eclipses may influence neurological excitability, as evidenced by reduced convulsive thresholds.
• Geomagnetic field variations during solar eclipses could play a role in altering biological responses.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms underlying the interaction between geomagnetic fields and neurological function.