Abstract - FIVE-TON STANDING MAGNET: ITS USE IN TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY--A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Contributing Authors:
1. L.A. Pearce AMRI-NC, Mocksville, NC, USA
2. T.W. Nichols AMRI-PA, Hanover, PA, USA
3. D.L. Stokesbary AMRI-CA, Laguana Nigel, CA, USA
4. D.R. Bonlie AMRI-AB, Calgary, AB, Canada
5. D. Goodman Newport Neuroscience Center, San Marcos, CA, USA

Since treatment for many of the severely disabling neurologic disorders is symptomatic at best, therapies capable of regenerating tissues are needed. Preliminary clinical trials using a new magnetic device, the MME, show maintained symptom amelioration and disability reduction which suggests tissue regeneration. The device, similar to an open MRI scanner, generates a unidirectional 5000 gauss static magnetic field. The patient lies between two cones of the device. Changes in clinical status were scored according to an open label protocol after placement under the device for a specified period. Of an initial 114 patients receiving magnetic treatment 75 showed significant improvement. The most promising results were seen in cerebral palsy where 7 of 7 patients improved. A 40 year old patient, quadraplegic since birth, became ambulatory following 200 hours of treatment. In addition to gait improvement, the patient's scored neurologic evaluation showed significant changes in spasticity, motor performance, speech, and swallowing which were maintained for follow-up periods for over a year. Patients treated for Parkinson's disease, CNS injury, stroke, and MS also seemed to benefit. Among the explanations that might account for clinical improvement are that magnetic fields may have primary effects on circulation, oxygen uptake, and energy production. Another possibility is that magnetic fields activate stem cells resulting in enhanced tissue regeneration. Double blind studies are planned to further assess the therapeutic potential of the MME.