Related Experiment Videos
Paroxysmal itching in multiple sclerosis during treatment with external magnetic fields
1NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Paroxysmal itching in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be triggered by picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF). This suggests MF could activate neurons, potentially indicating impaired synaptic conductivity contributes to MS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Paroxysmal itching is a rare sensory symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- It is hypothesized to result from ephaptic activation of demyelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Itching can manifest as an initial MS symptom or during relapse.
Observation:
- Two female MS patients experienced paroxysmal itching during picoTesla range magnetic field (MF) treatment.
- The itching coincided with observed neurological recovery.
- Patients were aged 36 and 40 years.
Findings:
- PicoTesla range MF treatment was associated with paroxysmal itching onset in MS patients.
- This suggests MF may activate neuronal transmission along demyelinated spinal cord axons.
- Rapid neurological recovery during MF treatment supports this hypothesis.
Implications:
- PicoTesla MF might influence neuronal activity in MS.
- Impaired synaptic conductivity, rather than solely demyelination, could underlie some MS neurological deficits.
- This warrants further investigation into MF as a potential therapeutic or diagnostic tool in MS.