Magnetic therapy, a new option for management of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In this condition, damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) around the nerves occurs resulting in neurological defects. Hospital-based studies in India have shown an increase in the incidence of MS from 1.58% to 2.54% over the last decade.

Classical symptoms of MS include loss of sensation, weakness, bowel, bladder or sexual dysfunction, involuntary movements of muscles, tremors etc. Patients may also have fatigue, vision problems, pain, impaired speech, psychological problems etc.

The exact cause of MS is unknown but it may involve a combination of genetic susceptibility and non genetic triggers such as virus, low vitamin D levels or environmental factors. Newer research has also indicated the role of melatonin and serotonin in the pathogenesis of MS. Melatonin is a neuroimmunomodulator and low levels of this substance has been reported in the pineal gland in patients with MS. Similarly, disturbances in serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter has been implicated in demyelinating diseases such as MS. These disturbances affect motor as well as cognitive symptoms in patients with MS.

Conventional management include use of immune-suppressive drugs and monoclonal antibodies. These agents help in temporary relief from symptoms but do not alter the natural progress of disease.

The role of magnetic fields has been studied in MS with positive outcomes on the level of disability of affected individuals. The principal behind use of magnetic therapy is that, the pineal gland acts as a ‘magnetosensor,’ thus application of magnetic pulses would ‘energize’ the gland and restore the secretion of melatonin and boost the function of serotonin.

The proposed mechanism of action of MBST is the stimulation of hydrogen protons using radio waves, which creates a “high energy” state. This energy is then released in the same manner as in MRI and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue. On absorption of energy by the tissue, reactivation of regeneration of cells is initiated.

With low frequency MBST (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Therapy), we can provide a non-invasive, cost-effective therapeutic modality for patients with MS. Studies have reported that patients have experienced improvement in motor, sensory, autonomic functions as well as cognitive functions. Moreover, long-term halt in the progression of the disease has also been reported, which greatly improves the quality of life of patients.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is another non-invasive modality that works on a similar principle. TMS is a neuromodulatory and neurostimulatory therapy that works by electromagnetic induction of an electrical field in the brain. Through this, we can achieve enhanced connectivity of neural networks and modulation of cortical excitability. These changes aid in evoking long-term cortical plasticity in the brain, thereby enhancing cognitive and motor functions.

The effects of extracranial MBST and TMS are cumulative as well as synergistic with other minimally/non-invasive modalities such as cell-based therapy. These therapies have also been reported to exert paracrine effects, thereby stimulating the functions of associated cells and neural networks in patients with MS. Thus, it is possible to achieve sustained, definitive, long-term results with such a holistic protocol.