Multiple sclerosis: improvement of visuoperceptive functions by picoTesla range magnetic fields.

Abstract

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.