Ο Δρ Reuven Sandyk χρησιμοποίησε θεραπεία με παλμικά ηλεκτρομαγνητικά πεδία και σε έρευνες που δημοσιοποίησε έδειξε ότι υπήρξε ικανοποιητική ανταπόκριση και γρήγορη ύφεση των συμπτωμάτων στη νόσο του Parkinson, στην κατάθλιψη, στη σκλήρυνση κατά πλάκας, στην ημικρανία και στην επιληψία. Επίσης, ο Δρ Reuven Sandyk συνεργάσθηκε με τον καθηγητή στο Πανεπιστήμιο της Θράκης Δρ Φώτιο Άνινο και έδειξαν μαζί ότι μία σειρά νοσημάτων, όπως σκλήρυνση κατά πλάκας (MS), ασθένεια Parkinson, αμυοατροφική πλευρική σκλήρυνση (ALS), κεφαλαλγίες και ημικρανίες, σύνδρομο ελλειμματικής προσοχής και υπερκινητικότητας (ADHD) και σύνδρομο Tourette, σχετίζονται με διαταραχές του ρυθμού του εγκεφάλου (όπως απεικονίζεται στο ΗΕΓ) και ανταποκρίνονται σε θεραπεία με την εφαρμογή παλμικών ηλεκτρομαγνητικών πεδίων (PEMF-Βιοσυντονισμός).
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1. Int J Neurosci. 2006 Jul;116(7):775-826.
Serotonergic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Sandyk R.
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) has been intimately linked with global regulation of
motor behavior, local control of motoneuron excitability, functional
recovery of spinal motoneurons as well as neuronal maturation and aging.
Selective degeneration of motoneurons is the pathological hallmark of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Motoneurons that are preferentially
affected in ALS are also densely innervated by 5-HT neurons (e.g.,
trigeminal, facial, ambiguus, and hypoglossal brainstem nuclei as well
as ventral horn and motor cortex). Conversely, motoneuron groups that
appear more resistant to the process of neurodegeneration in ALS (e.g.,
oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nuclei) as well as the cerebellum
receive only sparse 5-HT input. The glutamate excitotoxicity theory
maintains that in ALS degeneration of motoneurons is caused by excessive
glutamate neurotransmission, which is neurotoxic. Because of its
facilitatory effects on glutaminergic motoneuron excitation, 5-HT may be
pivotal to the pathogenesis and therapy of ALS. 5-HT levels as well as
the concentrations 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), the major
metabolite of 5-HT, are reduced in postmortem spinal cord tissue of ALS
patients indicating decreased 5-HT release. Furthermore, cerebrospinal
fluid levels of tryptophan, a precursor of 5-HT, are decreased in
patients with ALS and plasma concentrations of tryptophan are also
decreased with the lowest levels found in the most severely affected
patients. In ALS progressive degeneration of 5-HT neurons would result
in a compensatory increase in glutamate excitation of motoneurons.
Additionally, because 5-HT, acting through presynaptic 5-HT1B receptors,
inhibits glutamatergic synaptic transmission, lowered 5-HT activity
would lead to increased synaptic glutamate release. Furthermore, 5-HT is
a precursor of melatonin, which inhibits glutamate release and
glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, progressive degeneration of 5-HT
neurons affecting motoneuron activity constitutes the prime mover of the
disease and its progression and treatment of ALS needs to be focused
primarily on boosting 5-HT functions (e.g., pharmacologically via its
precursors, reuptake inhibitors, selective 5-HT1A receptor
agonists/5-HT2 receptor antagonists, and electrically through
transcranial administration of AC pulsed picotesla electromagnetic
fields) to prevent excessive glutamate activity in the motoneurons. In
fact, 5HT1A and 5HT2 receptor agonists have been shown to prevent
glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in primary cortical cell cultures and
the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) improved locomotor
function and survival of transgenic SOD1 G93A mice, an animal model of
ALS.
PMID: 16861147
2.
Int J Neurosci. 1999 Aug;99(1-4):139-49.
AC pulsed electromagnetic fields-induced sexual arousal and penile erections in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD)
since brain dopaminergic mechanisms are involved in the regulation of
sexual behavior. Activation of dopamine D2 receptor sites, with
resultant release of oxytocin from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of
the hypothalamus, induces sexual arousal and erectile responses in
experimental animals and humans. In Parkinsonian patients subcutaneous
administration of apomorphine, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, induces
sexual arousal and penile erections. It has been suggested that the
therapeutic efficacy of transcranial administration of AC pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla flux density in PD
involves the activation of dopamine D2 receptor sites which are the
principal site of action of dopaminergic pharmacotherapy in PD. Here, 1
report 2 elderly male PD patients who experienced sexual dysfunction
which was recalcitrant to treatment with anti Parkinsonian agents
including selegiline, levodopa and tolcapone. However, brief
transcranial administrations of AC pulsed EMFs in the picotesla flux
density induced in these patients sexual arousal and spontaneous
nocturnal erections. These findings support the notion that central
activation of dopamine D2 receptor sites is associated with the
therapeutic efficacy of AC pulsed EMFs in PD. In addition, since the
right hemisphere is dominant for sexual activity, partly because of a
dopaminergic bias of this hemisphere, these findings suggest that right
hemispheric activation in response to administration of AC pulsed EMFs
was associated in these patient with improved sexual functions.
PMID: 10495212
3.
Int J Neurosci. 1999 Apr;97(3-4):225-33.
Treatment with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields improves olfactory function in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
It may manifest in the early stages of the disease and infrequently may
even antedate the onset of motor symptoms. The cause of olfactory
dysfunction in PD remains unknown. Pathological changes characteristic
of PD (i.e., Lewy bodies) have been demonstrated in the olfactory bulb
which contains a large population of dopaminergic neurons involved in
olfactory information processing. Since dopaminergic drugs do not affect
olfactory threshold in PD patients, it has been suggested that
olfactory dysfunction in these patients is not dependent on dopamine
deficiency. I present two fully medicated Parkinsonian patients with
long standing history of olfactory dysfunction in whom recovery of smell
occurred during therapeutic transcranial application of AC pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla flux density. In both
patients improvement of smell during administration of EMFs occurred in
conjunction with recurrent episodes of yawning. The temporal association
between recovery of smell and yawning behavior is remarkable since
yawning is mediated by activation of a subpopulation of striatal and
limbic postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors induced by increased synaptic
dopamine release. A high density of dopamine D2 receptors is present in
the olfactory bulb and tract. Degeneration of olfactory dopaminergic
neurons may lead to upregulation (i.e., supersensitivity) of
postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors. Presumably, small amounts of
dopamine released into the synapses of the olfactory bulb during
magnetic stimulation may cause activation of these supersensitive
receptors resulting in enhanced sense of smell. Interestingly, in both
patients enhancement of smell perception occurred only during
administration of EMFs of 7 Hz frequency implying that the release of
dopamine and activation of dopamine D2 receptors in the olfactory bulb
was partly frequency dependent. In fact, weak magnetic fields have been
found to cause interaction with biological systems only within narrow
frequency ranges (i.e., frequency windows) and the existence of such
frequency ranges has been explained on the basis of the cyclotron
resonance model.
PMID: 10372649
4.
Int J Neurosci. 1999 Mar;97(1-2):139-45.
Yawning and stretching induced by transcranial application of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Yawning is considered a brainstem regulated behavior which is
associated with changes in arousal and activity levels. Yawning and
stretching are dopamine (DA) mediated behaviors and pharmacological
studies indicate that these behaviors are associated with increased DA
release coupled with stimulation of postsynaptic DA-D2 receptors.
Despite their relation to the dopaminergic system, yawning and
stretching are poorly documented in untreated or treated patients with
Parkinson’s disease (PD). A 49 year old fully medicated female patient
with juvenile onset PD is presented in whom recurrent episodes of
yawning and stretching developed during transcranial administration of
AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EM Fs) of picotesla flux density.
These episodes have not been observed previously in this or other
patients during treatment with levodopa or DA receptor agonists or in
unmedicated PD patients during treatment with AC pulsed EMFs. It is
suggested that yawning and stretching behavior resulted in this patient
from a synergistic interaction between EMFs and DA derived from levodopa
supplementation with EMFs possibly facilitating the release of DA and
simultaneously activating postsynaptic DA-D2 receptors in the
nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways. In addition, it is postulated that
the release of ACTH/MSH peptides from peptidergic neurons in the brain
upon stimulation of the DA-D2 receptors reinforced the yawning and
stretching behavior.
PMID: 10681123
5.
Int J Neurosci. 1999 Mar;97(1-2):131-8.
Serotonergic neuronal sprouting as a potential mechanism of recovery in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is widely considered as
an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Damage to the bulbospinal
serotonergic (5-HT) neurons occurs in the early paralytic stages of EAE
in rats with the severity of neurologic signs corresponding to spinal
serotonergic depletion. Neurologic recovery of EAE rats is associated
with reestablishment of spinal 5-HT transmission possibly through
sprouting of undamaged axons and nerve terminals. Damage to the
bulbospinal serotonergic fibers also occurs in patients with MS (as
reflected by reduced lumbar CSF 5-HIAA levels) and may contribute to
several manifestations of the disease including autonomic dysregulation,
sensory symptoms (i.e., paresthesias, pain) and motor symptoms
(weakness, spasticity, clonus). Spinal serotonergic neuronal sprouting
with regeneration of 5-HT nerve terminals may also occur in the early
stages of MS and may be associated with spontaneous remission of MS
symptoms following an acute relapse. Sprouting of serotonergic neurons
may also explain the disparity in MS between the extent of demyelinating
plaques and clinical signs of the disease. The chronic course of MS may
be associated with progressive axonal degenerative changes with
reduction of serotonergic nerve terminals and loss of their sprouting
capability. It is proposed that the beneficial effects of treatment with
AC pulsed electromagnetic fields on the symptoms and course of the
disease in patients with chronic progressive MS may be related in part
to renewed sprouting of serotonergic neurons.
PMID: 10681122
6.
Int J Neurosci. 1999;98(1-2):83-94.
Impairment of depth perception in multiple sclerosis is improved by treatment with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with postural instability and an
increased risk of falling which is facilitated by a variety of factors
including diminished visual acuity, diplopia, ataxia, apraxia of gait,
and peripheral neuropathy. Deficient binocular depth perception may also
contribute to a higher incidence of postural instability and falling in
these patients who, for example, find it an extremely difficult task to
walk on uneven ground, over curbs, or up and down steps. I report a 51
year old woman with secondary progressive MS who experienced
difficulties with binocular depth perception resulting in frequent falls
and injuries. Deficient depth perception was demonstrated also on
spontaneous drawing of a cube. Following a series of transcranial
treatments with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of 7,5 picotesla
flux density, the patient experienced a major improvement in depth
perception which was evident particularly on ascending and descending
stairs. These clinical changes were associated with an improvement in
spatial organization and depth perception on drawing a cube. These
findings suggest that in MS impairment of depth perception, which is
encoded in the primary visual cortex (area 17) and visual association
cortex (areas 18 and 19), may be improved by administration of AC pulsed
EMFs of picotesla flux density. The primary visual cortex is densely
innervated by serotonergic neurons which modulate visual information
processing. Cerebral serotonin concentrations are diminished in MS
patients and at least some aspects of deficient depth perception in MS
may be related to dysfunction of serotonergic transmission in the
primary visual cortex. It is suggested that transcranial AC pulsed
applications of EMFs improve depth perception partly by augmenting
serotonergic transmission in the visual cortex.
PMID: 10395363
7.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 Sep;95(3-4):255-69.
Reversal of the bicycle drawing direction in Parkinson’s disease by AC pulsed electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The Draw-a-Bicycle Test is employed in neuropsychological testing of
cognitive skills since the bicycle design is widely known and also
because of its complex structure. The Draw-a-Bicycle Test has been
administered routinely to patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and
other neurodegenerative disorders to evaluate the effect of transcranial
applications of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the
picotesla flux density on visuoconstructional skills. A seminal
observation is reported in 5 medicated PD patients who demonstrated
reversal of spontaneous drawing direction of the bicycle after they
received a series of transcranial treatments with AC pulsed EMFs. In 3
patients reversal of the bicycle drawing direction was observed shortly
after the administration of pulsed EMFs while in 2 patients these
changes were observed within a time lag ranging from several weeks to
months. All patients also demonstrated a dramatic clinical response to
the administration of EMFs. These findings are intriguing because
changes in drawing direction do not occur spontaneously in normal
individuals as a result of relateralization of cognitive functions. This
report suggests that administration of AC pulsed EMFs may induce in
some PD patients changes in hemispheric dominance during processing of a
visuoconstructional task and that these changes may be predictive of a
particularly favourable response to AC pulsed EMFs therapy.
PMID: 9777443
8.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 Jul;95(1-2):133-40.
Serotonergic neuronal atrophy with synaptic inactivation, not axonal
degeneration, are the main hallmarks of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The neurological manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been
considered to result from demyelination of axons with relative
preservation of axonal integrity. This concept has been challenged
recently by a landmark pathological study, published in the New England
Journal of Medicine, which has demonstrated that axonal degeneration is
also present. The authors of the study hypothesized that axonal
degeneration is the pathological correlate of the irreversible
neurological impairment in this disease. However, this hypothesis cannot
be reconciled with the clinical results obtained with transcranial
applications of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of picotesla
flux density which have shown rapid and sustained improvement of
symptoms including normalization of evoked potential responses in
patients with chronic progressive or secondary progressive MS without
demyelinated areas first undergoing remyelination or transected axons
undergoing regeneration. Biochemical studies have shown that MS patients
are serotonergically depleted with the extent of cerebral depletion
correlating with the degree of motor disability and a chronic
progressive course. It is believed that progressive serotonergic
neuronal atrophy with synaptic inactivation, not axonal degeneration,
are the hallmarks of the disease and that administration of AC pulsed
magnetic fields improves symptoms of MS partly through reactivation of
serotonergic neurons and amplification of synaptic serotonergic
transmission.
PMID: 9845023
9.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 Jul;95(1-2):107-13.
Yawning and stretching–a behavioral syndrome associated with
transcranial application of electromagnetic fields in multiple
sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Intracerebral administration
of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) elicits in experimental animals a
yawning stretching behavior which is believed to reflect an arousal
response mediated through the septohippocampal cholinergic neurons. A
surge in plasma ACTH levels at night and just prior to awakening from
sleep is also associated in humans with yawning and stretching behavior.
Recurrent episodes of uncontrollable yawning and body stretching,
identical to those observed upon awakening from physiological sleep,
occur in a subset of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during
transcranial therapeutic application of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields
of picotesla flux density. This behavioral response has been observed
exclusively in young female patients who are fully ambulatory with a
relapsing remitting course of the disease who also demonstrate a
distinctly favorable therapeutic response to magnetic stimulation. ACTH
is employed for the treatment of MS due to its immunomodulatory effects
and a surge in its release in response to AC pulsed magnetic stimulation
could explain some of the mechanism by which these fields improve
symptoms of the disease.
PMID: 9845021
10.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 May;94(1-2):41-54.
Transcranial AC pulsed applications of weak electromagnetic fields
reduces freezing and falling in progressive supranuclear palsy: a case
report.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Freezing is a common and
disabling symptom in patients with Parkinsonism. It affects most
commonly the gait in the form of start hesitation and sudden immobility
often resulting in falling. A higher incidence of freezing occurs in
patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) which is
characterized clinically by a constellation of symptoms including
supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, postural instability, axial rigidity,
dysarthria, Parkinsonism, and pseudobulbar palsy. Pharmacologic therapy
of PSP is currently disappointing and the disease progresses
relentlessly to a fatal outcome within the first decade after onset.
This report concerns a 67 year old woman with a diagnosis of PSP in whom
freezing and frequent falling were the most disabling symptoms of the
disease at the time of presentation. Both symptoms, which were rated 4
on the Unified Parkinson Rating Scale (UPRS) which grades Parkinsonian
symptoms and signs from 0 to 4, with 0 being normal and 4 being severe
symptoms, were resistant to treatment with dopaminergic drugs such as
levodopa, amantadine, selegiline and pergolide mesylate as well as with
the potent and highly selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor
nortriptyline. Weekly transcranial applications of AC pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of picotesla flux density was associated
with approximately 50% reduction in the frequency of freezing and about
80-90% reduction in frequency of falling after a 6 months follow-up
period. At this point freezing was rated 2 while falling received a
score of 1 on the UPRS. In addition, this treatment was associated with
an improvement in Parkinsonian and pseudobulbar symptoms with the
difference between the pre-and post EMF treatment across 13 measures
being highly significant (p < .005; Sign test). These results suggest
that transcranial administration AC pulsed EMFs in the picotesla flux
density is efficacious in the treatment of PSP.
PMID: 9622798
11.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 Apr;93(3-4):251-6.
A neuromagnetic view of hippocampal memory functions.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Bursts of highly synchronized discharges of 4-7Hz sinusoidal wave
activity can be recorded from the hippocampus during rapid eye movement
(REM) sleep. These rhythmic discharges, the hippocampal theta activity,
are generated in the dentate granule cells and the pyramidal cell layers
of the CA1 field of the hippocampus. The physiological function of the
hippocampal theta activity is elusive. The occurrence of this rhythm
throughout the REM sleep stage suggests that it is related to some
fundamental neurophysiological phenomena associated with REM sleep,
particularly consolidation of memory processes. Synchronous oscillations
among a population of neurons are expected to yield stronger, more
coherent associated magnetic fields which, through their influence back
on the electrical fields via induction, would exert an independent
effect on the electrical activity of hippocampal neurons and
additionally, could foster and reinforce these oscillations through
self-induction. The snail-shaped structure of the hippocampal formation,
which resembles a solenoid embedded in the temporal lobe, would be
expected to amplify these magnetic fields. Additionally, the discovery
of large ferromagnetic particles in the human hippocampus suggests that
it may function as a large iron-core electromagnet. It is proposed that
memory traces may be encoded or decoded magnetically and analogous to a
videotape, each encoding unit (i.e., synapse, set of synapses or glial
cell) could be magnetized in one direction, or the other through the
flow of a strong, AC magnetic field along the hippocampal formation. The
encoding of memory traces in the hippocampal formation may ultimately
reflect an electromagnetic phenomenon.
PMID: 9639242
12.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 Apr;93(3-4):239-50.
Treatment with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields normalizes the latency
of the visual evoked response in a multiple sclerosis patient with optic
atrophy.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Visual evoked response (VER)
studies have been utilized as supportive information for the diagnosis
of multiple sclerosis (MS) and may be useful in objectively monitoring
the effects of various therapeutic modalities. Delayed latency of the
VER, which reflects slowed impulse transmission in the optic pathways,
is the most characteristic abnormality associated with the disease.
Brief transcranial applications of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) in the picotesla flux density are efficacious in the symptomatic
treatment of MS and may also reestablish impulse transmission in the
optic pathways. A 36 year old man developed an attack of right sided
optic neuritis at the age of 30. On presentation he had blurring of
vision with reduced acuity on the right and fundoscopic examination
revealed pallor of the optic disc. A checkerboard pattern reversal VER
showed a delayed latency to right eye stimulation (P100 = 132 ms; normal
range: 95-115 ms). After he received two successive applications of AC
pulsed EMFs of 7.5 picotesla flux density each of 20 minutes duration
administered transcranially, there was a dramatic improvement in vision
and the VER latency reverted to normal (P100= 107 ms). The rapid
improvement in vision coupled with the normalization of the VER latency
despite the presence of optic atrophy, which reflects chronic
demyelination of the optic nerve, cannot be explained on the basis of
partial or full reformation of myelin. It is proposed that in MS
synaptic neurotransmitter deficiency is associated with the visual
impairment and delayed VER latency following optic neuritis and that the
recovery of the VER latency by treatment with pulsed EMFs is related to
enhancement of synaptic neurotransmitter functions in the retina and
central optic pathways. Recovery of the VER latency in MS patients may
have important implications with respect to the treatment of visual
impairment and prevention of visual loss. Specifically, repeated pulsed
applications of EMFs may maintain impulse transmission in the optic
nerve and thus potentially sustain its viability.
PMID: 9639241
13.
Int J Neurosci. 1998 Feb;93(1-2):43-54.
Reversal of a body image disorder (macrosomatognosia) in Parkinson’s
disease by treatment with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Macrosomatognosia refers to a disorder of the body image in which the
patient perceives a part or parts of his body as disproportionately
large. Macrosomatognosia has been associated with lesions in the
parietal lobe, particularly the right parietal lobe, which integrates
perceptual-sensorimotor functions concerned with the body image. It has
been observed most commonly in patients with paroxysmal cerebral
disorders such as epilepsy and migraine. The Draw-a-Person-Test has been
employed in neuropsychological testing to identify disorders of the
body image. Three fully medicated elderly Parkinsonian patients who
exhibited, on the Draw-a-Person Test, macrosomatognosia involving the
upper limbs are presented. In these patients spontaneous drawing of the
figure of a man demonstrated disproportionately large arms. Furthermore,
it was observed that the arm affected by tremor or, in the case of
bilateral tremor, the arm showing the most severe tremor showed the
greatest abnormality. This association implies that dopaminergic
mechanisms influence neuronal systems in the nondominant right parietal
lobe which construct the body image. After receiving a course of
treatments with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla
flux density applied transcranially, these patients’ drawings showed
reversal of the macrosomatognosia. These findings demonstrate that
transcranial applications of AC pulsed EMFs affect the neuronal systems
involved in the construction of the human body image and additionally
reverse disorders of the body image in Parkinsonism which are related to
right parietal lobe dysfunction.
PMID: 9604168
14.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Nov;92(1-2):95-102.
Treatment with electromagnetic fields improves dual-task performance (talking while walking) in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with an increased risk of falling
resulting from visual disturbances, difficulties with gait and balance,
apraxia of gait and peripheral neuropathy. These factors often interact
synergistically to compromise the patient’s gait stability. It has long
been recognized that walking involves a cognitive component and that
simultaneous cognitive and motor operations (dual-task) such as talking
while walking may interfere with normal ambulation. Talking while
walking reflects an example of a dual-task which is frequently impaired
in MS patients. Impaired dual-task performance during walking may
compromise the patient’s gait and explain why in some circumstances, MS
patients unexpectedly lose their balance and fall. Frontal lobe
dysfunction, which commonly occurs in MS patients, may disrupt dual-task
performance and increase the risk of falling in these patients. This
report concerns a 36 old man with remitting-progressive MS with an EDSS
score of 5.5 who experienced marked increase in spasticity in the legs
and trunk and worsening of his gait and balance, occasionally resulting
in falling, when talking while walking. His gait and balance improved
dramatically after he received two successive transcranial treatments,
each of 45 minutes, with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of 7.5
picotesla flux density. Simultaneously, there was improvement in
dual-task performance to the extent that talking while walking did not
adversely affect his ambulation. In addition, neuropsychological testing
revealed an almost 5-fold increase in word output on the Thurstone’s
Word-Fluency Test, which is sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction. It is
suggested that facilitation of dual-task performance during ambulation
contributes to the overall improvement of gait and balance observed in
MS patients receiving transcranial treatment with AC pulsed EMFs.
PMID: 9522259
15.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Nov;92(1-2):63-72.
Speech impairment in Parkinson’s disease is improved by transcranial application of electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 52 year old fully medicated physician with juvenile onset
Parkinsonism experienced 4 years ago severe “on-off” fluctuations in
motor disability and debilitating speech impairment with severe
stuttering which occurred predominantly during “on-off” periods. His
speech impairment improved 20%-30% when sertraline (75 mg/day), a
serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was added to his dopaminergic medications
which included levodopa, amantadine, selegiline and pergolide mesylate. A
more dramatic and consistent improvement in his speech occurred over
the past 4 years during which time the patient received, on a fairly
regular basis, weekly transcranial treatments with AC pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of picotesla flux density. Recurrence of
speech impairment was observed on several occasions when regular
treatments with EMFs were temporarily discontinued. These findings
demonstrate that AC pulsed applications of picotesla flux density EMFs
may offer a nonpharmacologic approach to the management of speech
disturbances in Parkinsonism. Furthermore, this case implicates cerebral
serotonergic deficiency in the pathogenesis of Parkinsonian speech
impairment which affects more than 50% of patients. It is believed that
pulsed applications of EMFs improved this patient’s speech impairment
through the facilitation of serotonergic transmission which may have
occurred in part through a synergistic interaction with sertraline.
PMID: 9522256
16.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Oct;91(3-4):189-97.
Treatment with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields improves the response to levodopa in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 52 year old fully medicated Parkinsonian patient with severe
disability (stage 4 on the Hoehn & Yahr disability scale) became
asymptomatic 10 weeks after he received twice weekly transcranial
treatments with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of picotesla
flux density. Prior to treatment with EMFs, his medication (Sinemet CR)
was about 50% effective and he experienced end-of-dose deterioration and
diurnal-related decline in the drug’s efficacy. For instance, while his
morning medication was 90% effective, his afternoon medication was only
50% effective and his evening dose was only 30% effective. Ten weeks
after introduction of treatment with EMFs, there was 40% improvement in
his response to standard Sinemet medication with minimal change in its
efficacy during the course of the day or evening. These findings
demonstrate that intermittent, AC pulsed applications of picotesla flux
density EMFs improve Parkinsonian symptoms in part by enhancing the
patient’s response to levodopa. This effect may be related to an
increase in the capacity of striatal DA neurons to synthesize, store and
release DA derived from exogenously supplied levodopa as well as to
increased serotonin (5-HT) transmission which has been shown to enhance
the response of PD patients to levodopa. Since decline in the response
to levodopa is a phenomenon associated with progression of the disease,
this case suggests that intermittent applications of AC pulsed EMFs of
picotesla flux density reverse the course of chronic progressive PD.
PMID: 9394226
17.
J Altern Complement Med. 1997 Fall;3(3):267-90.
I. Role of the pineal gland in multiple sclerosis: a hypothesis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Despite intensive research over the past several decades, the etiology
and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) remain elusive. The last 20
years have seen only meager advances in the treatment of the disease in
part because too much attention has been devoted to the process of
demyelination and its relationship to the neurologic symptoms and
recovery of the disease. A host of biological phenomena associated with
the disease involving interactions among genetic, environmental,
immunologic, and hormonal factors, cannot be explained on the basis of
demyelination and, therefore, require refocusing attention on
alternative explanations, one of which implicates the pineal gland as
the pivotal mover of the disease. This review summarizes the evidence
linking dysfunction of the pineal gland with the epidemiology,
pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and course of the disease. The
pineal hypothesis of MS also provided the impetus for the development of
a novel and highly effective therapeutic modality, one that involves
the transcranial application of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields in the
picotesla flux density.
PMID: 9430330
18.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Sep;91(1-2):57-68.
Reversal of cognitive impairment in an elderly parkinsonian patient by
transcranial application of picotesla electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 74 year old retired building inspector with a 15 year history of
Parkinson’s disease (PD) presented with severe resting tremor in the
right hand, generalized bradykinesia, difficulties with the initiation
of gait with freezing, mental depression and generalized cognitive
impairment despite being fully medicated. Testing of constructional
abilities employing various drawing tasks demonstrated drawing
impairment compatible with severe left hemispheric dysfunction. After
receiving two successive transcranial applications, each of 20 minutes
duration, with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of 7.5 picotesla
flux density and frequencies of 5Hz and 7Hz respectively, his tremor
remitted and there was dramatic improvement in his drawing performance.
Additional striking improvements in his drawing performance occurred
over the following two days after he continued to receive daily
treatments with EMFs. The patient’s drawings were subjected to a
Reliability Test in which 10 raters reported 100% correct assessment of
pre- and post drawings with all possible comparisons (mean 2 = 5.0; p
< .05). This case demonstrates in PD rapid reversal of drawing
impairment related to left hemispheric dysfunction by brief transcranial
applications of AC pulsed picotesla flux density EMFs and suggests that
cognitive deficits associated with Parkinsonism, which usually are
progressive and unaffected by dopamine replacement therapy, may be
partly reversed by administration of these EMFs. Treatment with
picotesla EMFs reflects a “cutting edge” approach to the management of
cognitive impairment in Parkinsonism.
PMID: 9394215
19.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Aug;90(3-4):271-5.
The accelerated aging hypothesis of Parkinson’s disease is not supported by the pattern of circadian melatonin secretion.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Hypotheses pertaining to the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have
suggested that the disease reflects an accelerated form of the normal
aging process. Aging is associated with progressive failure of the
pineal gland associated with a gradual decline in nighttime plasma
melatonin secretion. The decline in melatonin secretion with age, at an
average rate of 10-15% per decade, is considered a marker of brain aging
in humans and estimations of plasma melatonin levels could be used to
distinguish the processes of normal aging from pathological age-related
changes. The accelerated aging hypothesis of PD is not supported by
studies which have examined nocturnal melatonin secretion in drug naive
Parkinsonian patients compared to age matched normal control subjects.
Specifically, these studies have revealed no significant differences in
the melatonin rhythms (i.e., peak nocturnal melatonin level and 24-hour
melatonin output) between PD patients and normal age matched controls.
On the other hand, melatonin secretion is significantly lower in
Alzheimer’s patients compared to age matched normal subjects.
Collectively, it is suggested, on the basis of melatonin circadian
rhythms, that Alzheimer’s disease rather than PD is related to an
accelerated aging process, a hypothesis which is supported by
pathological and neurochemical studies.
PMID: 9352432
20.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Aug;90(3-4):177-85.
Treatment with electromagnetic fields reverses the long-term clinical
course of a patient with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It is estimated that 10-20% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
have a chronic progressive (CP) course characterized by an insidious
onset of neurological deficits followed by steady progression of
disability in the absence of symptomatic remission. To date no
therapeutic modality has proven effective in reversing the clinical
course of CP MS although there are indications that prolonged treatment
with picotesla electromagnetic fields (EMFs) alters the clinical course
of patients with CP MS. A 40 year-old woman presented in December of
1992 with CP MS with symptoms of spastic paraplegia, loss of trunk
control, marked weakness of the upper limbs with loss of fine and gross
motor hand functions, severe fatigue, cognitive deficits, mental
depression, and autonomic dysfunction with neurogenic bladder and bowel
incontinence. Her symptoms began at the age of 18 with weakness of the
right leg and fatigue with long distance walking and over the ensuing
years she experienced steady deterioration of functions. In 1985 she
became wheelchair dependent and it was anticipated that within 1-2 years
she would become functionally quadriplegic. In December of 1992 she
began experimental treatment with EMFs. While receiving regularly weekly
transcortical treatments with AC pulsed EMFs in the picotesla range
intensity she experienced during the first year improvement in mental
functions, return of strength in the upper extremities, and recovery of
trunk control. During the second year she experienced the return of more
hip functions and recovery of motor functions began in her legs. For
the first time in years she can now initiate dorsiflexion of her ankles
and actively extend her knees voluntarily. Over the past year she
started to show signs of redevelopment of reciprocal gait. Presently,
with enough function restored in her legs, she is learning to walk with a
walker and is able to stand unassisted and maintain her balance for a
few minutes. She also regained about 80% of functions in the upper limbs
and hands. Most remarkably, there was no further progression of the
disease during the 4 years course of magnetic therapy. This patient’s
clinical recovery cannot be explained on the basis of a spontaneous
remission. It is suggested that pulsed applications of picotesla EMFs
affect the neurobiological and immunological mechanisms underlying the
pathogenesis of CP MS.
PMID: 9352426
21.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Aug;90(3-4):159-67.
Reversal of a visuoconstructional disorder by weak electromagnetic fields in a child with Tourette’s syndrome.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Tourette’s syndrome (TS), a chronic familial neuropsychiatric disorder
of unknown etiology, is characterized clinically by the occurrence of
motor and vocal tics and by the presence of a variety of neurobehavioral
and neurocognitive abnormalities including hyperactivity,
self-mutilatory behavior, obsessive-compulsive behavior, learning
disabilities, and conduct disorder. Cognitive deficits related to right
hemispheric dysfunction are common in TS patients accounting for
decrements in visuospatial, visuoconstructional and visuomotor skills.
An 11 year old boy with a 5 years history of TS exhibited during a
routine neuropsychological assessment an unusual visuoconstructional
disorder which previously has been observed in dyslexic children.
Specifically, when instructed to draw a bicycle from memory, he drew
spontaneously a design executed from the perspective of a bird’s eye
view. After receiving a 20 minute treatment session with picotesla range
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) applied extracranially, this
visuocontructional disorder was spontaneously reversed and he drew an
elaborate and detailed bicycle positioned in profile. A placebo EMF
treatment, which was administered prior to magnetic therapy, had no
effect on this child’s visuoconstructional disorder. During the ensuing
week there was a marked reduction in the child’s hyperactive behavior
with attentuation of motor tics. Spontaneous drawing of a bicycle a week
after the administration of magnetic therapy was executed in profile
although some elements were presented from a bird’s eye view. This case
demonstrates the potential impact of treatment with picotesla EMFs in
reversing specific cognitive deficits in TS related to right posterior
hemispheric dysfunction.
PMID: 9352424
22.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Aug;90(3-4):145-57.
Resolution of sleep paralysis by weak electromagnetic fields in a patient with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Sleep paralysis refers to episodes of inability to move during the
onset of sleep or more commonly upon awakening. Patients often describe
the sensation of struggling to move and may experience simultaneous
frightening vivid hallucinations and dreams. Sleep paralysis and other
manifestations of dissociated states of wakefulness and sleep, which
reflect deficient monoaminergic regulation of neural modulators of REM
sleep, have been reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A 40
year old woman with remitting-progressive multiple sclerosis (MS)
experienced episodes of sleep paralysis since the age of 16, four years
prior to the onset of her neurological symptoms. Episodes of sleep
paralysis, which manifested at a frequency of about once a week,
occurred only upon awakening in the morning and were considered by the
patient as a most terrifying experience. Periods of mental stress, sleep
deprivation, physical fatigue and exacerbation of MS symptoms appeared
to enhance the occurrence of sleep paralysis. In July of 1992 the
patient began experimental treatment with AC pulsed applications of
picotesla intensity electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of 5Hz frequency which
were applied extracerebrally 1-2 times per week. During the course of
treatment with EMFs the patient made a dramatic recovery of symptoms
with improvement in vision, mobility, balance, bladder control, fatigue
and short term memory. In addition, her baseline pattern reversal visual
evoked potential studies, which showed abnormally prolonged latencies
in both eyes, normalized 3 weeks after the initiation of magnetic
therapy and remained normal more than 2.5 years later. Since the
introduction of magnetic therapy episodes of sleep paralysis gradually
diminished and abated completely over the past 3 years. This report
suggests that MS may be associated with deficient REM sleep inhibitory
neural mechanisms leading to sleep paralysis secondary to the intrusion
of REM sleep atonia and dream imagery into the waking state. Pineal
melatonin and monoaminergic neurons have been implicated in the
induction and maintenance of REM sleep and the pathogenesis of sleep
paralysis and it is suggested that resolution of sleep paralysis in this
patient by AC pulsed applications of EMFs was related to enhancement of
melatonin circadian rhythms and cerebral serotoninergic
neurotransmission.
PMID: 9352423
23.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Jun;90(1-2):129-33.
Influence of the pineal gland on the expression of experimental
allergic encephalomyelitis: possible relationship to the aquisition of
multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Experimental
allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease,
is widely considered as an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). It
is believed that breakdown of the blood brain barrier (BBB) reflects the
initial mechanism in the induction of EAE. It has been reported that
while neonatally pinealectomized Wistar rats develop extensive
pathological changes and severe neurologic deficits upon induction of
EAE with allogeneic spinal cord in adjuvant, adult rats pinealectomized
at 6 weeks of age appeared resistant to the induction of EAE. These
findings suggest that: (a) the pineal gland influences the expression of
EAE and, by inference, the integrity of the BBB; and (b) there is an
age-related window of susceptibility to the development of EAE possibly
related to the level of maturation of the pineal gland and functional
integrity of the BBB. This age-related susceptibility to the development
of EAE in rats may be relevant to the timing of aquisition of MS where a
viral infection in childhood is thought to initiate the induction of
autosensitization to myelin antigens. More specifically, it is suggested
that the viral infection associated with the development of MS most
likely is acquired in infancy prior to the establishment of the
melatonin circadian rhythms between 3 and 9 months of age.
PMID: 9285294
24.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Jun;90(1-2):75-86.
Treatment with weak electromagnetic fields restores dream recall in a parkinsonian patient.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Absent or markedly reduced REM sleep with cessation of dream recall has
been documented in numerous neurological disorders associated with
subcortical dementia including Parkinson’s disease, progressive
supranuclear palsy and Huntington’s chorea. This report concerns a 69
year old Parkinsonian patient who experienced complete cessation of
dreaming since the onset of motor disability 13 years ago. Long term
treatment with levodopa and dopamine (DA) receptor agonists
(bromocriptine and pergolide mesylate) did not affect dream recall.
However, dreaming was restored after the patient received three
treatment sessions with AC pulsed picotesla range electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) applied extracranially over three successive days. Six months
later, during which time the patient received 3 additional treatment
sessions with EMFs, he reported dreaming vividly with intense colored
visual imagery almost every night with some of the dreams having sexual
content. In addition, he began to experience hypnagogic imagery prior to
the onset of sleep. Cessation of dream recall has been associated with
right hemispheric dysfunction and its restoration by treatment with EMFs
points to right hemispheric activation, which is supported by
improvement in this patient’s visual memory known to be subserved by the
right temporal lobe. Moreover, since DA neurons activate REM sleep
mechanisms and facilitate dream recall, it appears that application of
EMFs enhanced DA activity in the mesolimbic system which has been
implicated in dream recall. Also, since administration of pineal
melatonin has been reported to induce vivid dreams with intense colored
visual imagery in normal subjects and narcoleptic patients, it is
suggested that enhanced nocturnal melatonin secretion was associated
with restoration of dream recall in this patient. These findings
demonstrate that unlike chronic levodopa therapy, intermittent pulsed
applications of AC picotesla EMFs may induce in Parkinsonism
reactivation of reticular-limbic-pineal systems involved in the
generation of dreaming.
PMID: 9285289
25.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Jun;90(1-2):59-74.
Immediate recovery of cognitive functions and resolution of fatigue by
treatment with weak electromagnetic fields in a patient with multiple
sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are common
among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The pathogenetic
mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairment in MS are unknown and
there is presently no effective therapeutic modality which has shown
efficacy in improving cognitive deficits in MS. A 53 year old college
professor with a long history of secondary progressive MS experienced,
over the preceding year, noticeable deterioration in cognitive functions
with difficulties in short and long term memory, word finding in
spontaneous speech, attention and concentration span. Unable to pursue
his academic activities, he was considering early retirement. Mental
examination disclosed features of subcortical and cortical dementia
involving frontal lobe, left hemispheric and right hemispheric
dysfunction. Almost immediately following the extracerebral application
of AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of 7.5 picotesla intensity
and a 4-Hz sinusoidal wave, the patient experienced a heightend sense of
well being, which he defined as enhancement of cognitive functions with
a feeling “like a cloud lifted off my head.” He reported heightend
clarity of thinking and during the application of EMFs he felt that
words were formed faster and he experienced no difficulty finding the
appropriate words. His speech was stronger and well modulated and he
felt “energized” with resolution of his fatigue. There was improvement
in manual dexterity and handwriting and testing of constructional praxis
demonstrated improvement in visuospatial, visuoperceptive and
visuomotor functions. It is suggested that some of the cognitive
deficits associated with MS, which are caused by synaptic disruption of
neurotransmitter functions, may be reversed through pulsed applications
of picotesla range EMFs.
PMID: 9285288
26.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Jan;89(1-2):53-60.
The biological significance of yawning elicited by application of electromagnetic fields in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
PMID: 9134448
27.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Jan;89(1-2):39-51.
Progressive cognitive improvement in multiple sclerosis from treatment with electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It has long been recognized that cognitive impairment occurs in
patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) particularly among patients with a
chronic progressive course. MS is considered a type of “subcortical
dementia” in which cognitive and behavioral abnormalities resemble those
observed in patients with a frontal lobe syndrome. The Bicycle Drawing
Test is employed for the neuropsychological assessment of cognitive
impairment specifically that of mechanical reasoning and visuographic
functioning. It also provides clues concerning the patient’s
organizational skills which are subserved by the frontal lobes.
Extracerebral pulsed applications of picotesla flux intensity
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been shown to improve cognitive
functions in patients with MS. I present three patients with long
standing symptoms of MS who, on the initial baseline, pretreatment
Bicycle Drawing Test, exhibited cognitive impairment manifested by
omissions of essential details and deficient organizational skills. All
patients demonstrated progressive improvement in their performance
during treatment with EMFs lasting from 6-18 months. The improvement in
cognitive functions, which occurred during the initial phases of the
treatment, was striking for the changes in organizational skills
reflecting frontal lobe functions. These findings demonstrate that
progressive recovery of cognitive functions in MS patients are observed
over time through continued administration of picotesla flux intensity
EMFs. It is believed that the beneficial cognitive effects of these EMFs
are related to increased synaptic neurotransmission and that the
progressive cognitive improvement noted in these patients is associated
with slow recovery of synaptic functions in monoaminergic neurons of the
frontal lobe or its projections from subcortical areas.
PMID: 9134447
28.
Int J Neurosci. 1997 Jan;89(1-2):29-38.
Lack of a correlation between demyelinating plaques on MRI scan and
clinical recovery in multiple sclerosis by treatment with
electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 50
year-old woman presented in January of 1995 with a prolonged history of
symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and was classified at the time with a
remitting-progressive course. Her chief symptoms included slurring of
speech, impairment of vision with intermittent diplopia, difficulties
with gait and balance with spastic-ataxic gait, mental depression,
insomnia, fatigue, impaired cognitive functions notably poor short term
memory and recurrent urinary tract and sinus infections. An MRI scan
showed multiple nodular demyelinating lesions scattered in the
subcortical white matter and periventricularly of both cerebral
hemispheres. Over the following 18 months, while receiving three
treatment sessions per week with picotesla electro-magnetic fields
(EMFs) which were applied extracranially, she showed a significant
recovery in both physical and mental symptoms and additionally
experienced decreased susceptibility to infections. In addition, the
course of her disease appeared to have stabilized as opposed to the
preceding 5 years during which time she experienced insidious, steady
deterioration in her functioning. Despite this remarkable clinical
recovery through the application of EMFs, and MRI scan obtained at the
same diagnostic center 18 months after initiation of treatment with EMFs
showed no changes in the number and size of the demyelinating plaques.
These findings demonstrate lack of a correlation between recovery of
symptoms and the number and extent of demyelinating plaques on MRI scan.
It has been known since the days of Charcot in the latter half of the
19th century that in MS there is a great disparity between the
histopathological changes of the disease and neurologic deficits. This
report enhances the notion that demyelination may reflect an
epiphenomenon of the disease.
PMID: 9134446
29.
J Altern Complement Med. 1997 Winter;3(4):365-86.
Therapeutic effects of alternating current pulsed electromagnetic fields in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is the third most common cause of severe disability
in patients between the ages of 15 and 50 years. The cause of the
disease and its pathogenesis remain unknown. The last 20 years have seen
only meager advances in the development of effective treatments for the
disease. No specific treatment modality can cure the disease or alter
its long-term course and eventual outcome. Moreover, there are no agents
or treatments that will restore premorbid neuronal function. A host of
biological phenomena associated with the disease involving interactions
among genetic, environmental, immunologic, and hormonal factors, cannot
be explained on the basis of demyelination alone and therefore require
refocusing attention on alternative explanations, one of which
implicates the pineal gland as pivotal. The pineal gland functions as a
magnetoreceptor organ. This biological property of the gland provided
the impetus for the development of a novel and highly effective
therapeutic modality, which involves transcranial applications of
alternating current (AC) pulsed electromagnetic fields in the picotesla
flux density. This review summarizes recent clinical work on the effects
of transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields for the
symptomatic treatment of the disease.
PMID: 9449058
30.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Nov;87(3-4):219-24.
Melatonin supplements for aging.
Sandyk R1.
PMID: 9003982
31.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Nov;87(3-4):209-17.
Brief communication: electromagnetic fields improve visuospatial performance and reverse agraphia in a parkinsonian patient.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 73 year old right-handed man, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD)
in 1982, presented with chief complaints of disabling resting and
postural tremors in the right hand, generalized bradykinesia and
rigidity, difficulties with the initiation of gait, freezing of gait,
and mild dementia despite being fully medicated. On neuropsychological
testing the Bicycle Drawing Test showed cognitive impairment compatible
with bitemporal and frontal lobe dysfunction and on attempts to sign his
name he exhibited agraphia. After receiving two successive treatments,
each of 20 minutes duration, with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) of 7.5 picotesla intensity and 5 Hz frequency sinusoidal wave,
his drawing to command showed improvement in visuospatial performance
and his signature became legible. One week later, after receiving two
additional successive treatments with these EMFs each of 20 minutes
duration with a 7 Hz frequency sinusoidal wave, he drew a much larger,
detailed and visuospatially organized bicycle and his signature had
normalized. Simultaneously, there was marked improvement in Parkinsonian
motor symptoms with almost complete resolution of the tremors, start
hesitation and freezing of gait. This case demonstrates the dramatic
beneficial effects of AC pulsed picotesla EMFs on neurocognitive
processes subserved by the temporal and frontal lobes in Parkinsonism
and suggest that the dementia of Parkinsonism may be partly reversible.
PMID: 9003981
32.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Nov;88(1-2):75-82.
Treatment with electromagnetic field alters the clinical course of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis–a case report.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It is estimated that 10-20% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
have a chronic progressive (CP) course characterized by an insidious of
neurological deficits followed by steady progression of disability in
the absence of symptomatic remission. No therapeutic modality has shown
specific efficacy in the treatment of patients with CP MS and there are
no data to indicate that any pharmacologic or other modality alters the
clinical course of CP MS. Treatment with picotesla electromagnetic
fields (EMFs) is a highly effective modality for the symptomatic
management of MS including the chronic progressive form. In addition,
this treatment also appears to alter the natural course of the disease
in CP patients. A 36 year-old man experienced, at the age of 31,
insidious weakness in the legs and several months later developed
difficulties with balance with ataxia of gait. His gait abnormality
progressed slowly over the following years and at the age of 35 he was
severely disabled with spastic paraparesis and ataxia using a rolling
walker for ambulation and a scooter for longer distances. In particular,
his disability had progressed rapidly over the six months preceding the
initiation of treatment with EMFs. He as classified have CP MS and his
prognosis was considered extremely unfavorable due to the degree of
cerebellar and pyramidal tract involvement and the rapid course of
deterioration. In July 1995 the patient began experimental treatment
with EMFs. While receiving three treatment sessions a week over 12
months he experienced improvement in cerebellar functions such as gait,
balance and tremor as well as bowel and bladder functions, mood, sleep
and cognitive function and resolution of diplopia, blurring of vision,
dysarthria, paresthesias in the hands, and fatigue. Most remarkably,
there was no further progression of the disease during the course of
magnetic therapy. This case illustrated that treatment with EMFs, in
addition to producing symptomatic improvement, also reverses the
clinical course of CP MS.
PMID: 9003966
33.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Nov;88(1-2):71-4.
Treatment with weak electromagnetic fields controls drooling in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
PMID: 9003965
34.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Oct;87(1-2):5-15.
Suicidal behavior is attenuated in patients with multiple sclerosis by treatment with electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A marked decrease in the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite
(5-HIAA) has been demonstrated in postmortem studies of suicide victims
with various psychiatric disorders. Depression is the most common mental
manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) which accounts for the high
incidence of suicide in this disease. CSF 5-HIAA concentrations are
reduced in MS patients and nocturnal plasma melatonin levels were found
to be lower in suicidal than in nonsuicidal patients. These findings
suggest that the increased risk of suicide in MS patients may be related
to decreased 5-HT functions and blunted circadian melatonin secretion.
Previous studies have demonstrated that extracerebral applications of
pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla range rapidly
improved motor, sensory, affective and cognitive deficits in MS.
Augmentation of cerebral 5-HT synthesis and resynchronization of
circadian melatonin secretion has been suggested as a key mechanism by
which these EMFs improved symptoms of the disease. Therefore, the
prediction was made that this treatment modality would result in
attenuation of suicidal behavior in MS patients. The present report
concerns three women with remitting-progressive MS who exhibited
suicidal behavior during the course of their illness. All patients had
frequent suicidal thoughts over several years and experienced resolution
of suicidal behavior within several weeks after introduction of EMFs
treatment with no recurrence of symptoms during a follow-up of months to
3.5 years. These findings demonstrate that in MS pulsed applications of
picotesla level EMFs improve mental depression and may reduce the risk
of suicide by a mechanism involving the augmentation of 5-HT
neurotransmission and resynchronization of circadian melatonin
secretion.
PMID: 8913816
35.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Oct;87(1-2):1-4.
Electromagnetic fields for treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 8913815
36.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Sep;86(3-4):257-62.
The long-term impact of treatment with electromagnetic fields on visual memory in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 8884396
37.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Jul;86(1-2):79-85.
Effect of weak electromagnetic fields on body image perception in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxia is one of the most disabling symptoms of multiple
sclerosis (MS) and also one of the least responsive to pharmacotherapy.
However, cerebellar symptoms often improve dramatically in MS patients
by brief, extracerebral applications of picotesla flux electromagnetic
fields (EMFs). This report concerns two MS patients with chronic
disabling ataxia who experienced rapid improvement in gait and balance
after receiving a series of treatments with EMFs. To assess whether
improvement in cerebellar gait is accompanied by changes in body image
perception, a parietal lobe function, both patients were administered
the Human Figure Drawing Test before and after a series of brief
treatments with EMFs. Prior to application of EMFs these patients’ free
drawings of a person showed a figure with a wide-based stance
characteristic of cerebellar ataxia. After receiving a series of EMFs
treatments both patients demonstrated a change in body image perception
with the drawings of the human figure showing a normal stance. These
findings demonstrate that in MS improvement in cerebellar symptoms by
pulsed applications of picotesla EMFs is associated with changes in the
body image.
PMID: 8828062
38.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Jul;86(1-2):67-77.
Treatment with weak electromagnetic fields attenuates carbohydrate craving in a patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Pharmacological studies have implicated serotonergic (5-HT) neurons in
the regulation of food intake and food preference. It has been shown
that the urge to consume carbohydrate rich foods is regulated by 5-HT
activity and that carbohydrate craving is triggered by 5-HT deficiency
in the medical hypothalamus. Ingestion of carbohydrate foods stimulates
insulin secretion which accelerates the uptake of tryptophan, the
precursor of 5-HT and melatonin, into the brain and pineal gland,
respectively. Thus, carbohydrate craving might be considered a form of
“self medication” aimed at correcting an underlying dysfunction of
cerebral 5-HT and pineal melatonin functions. A 51 year old woman with
remitting-progressive MS experienced carbohydrate craving during
childhood and adolescence and again in temporal association with the
onset of her first neurological symptoms at the age of 45. Carbohydrate
craving, which resembled the pattern observed in patients with seasonal
affective disorder (SAD), was attenuated by a series of extracranial AC
pulsed applications of picotesla (10(-12) Tesla) flux intensity
electromagnetic fields (EMFs). It is suggested that AC pulsed EMFs
applications activated retinal mechanisms which, through functional
interactions with the medial hypothalamus, initiated an increased
release of 5-HT and resynchronization of melatonin secretion ultimately
leading to a decrease in carbohydrate craving. The occurrence of
carbohydrate craving in early life may have increased the patient’s
vulnerability to viral infection given the importance of 5-HT and
melatonin in immunomodulation and the regulation of the integrity of the
blood brain barrier. The recurrence of this craving in temporal
relation to the onset of neurological symptoms suggests that 5-HT
deficiency and impaired pineal melatonin functions are linked to the
timing of onset of the clinical symptoms of the disease. The report
supports the role of experimental factors in the pathophysiology of MS.
PMID: 8828061
39.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Jul;86(1-2):47-53.
Tryptophan availability and the susceptibility to stress in multiple sclerosis: a hypothesis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
In his seminal description of the clinical manifestations of multiple
sclerosis (MS) in 1868 Charcot suggested that psychological stress is an
important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. MS patients often
relate that mental stress exacerbates their symptoms and even provokes
attacks of their disease. Moreover, a subgroup of MS patients
experiences exacerbation of symptoms following a period of mental stress
rather than occurring at times when stress is maximal, i.e., attacks
are reported to occur on the rebound from stress. Psychological stress
may also contribute to the onset and long term clinical deterioration of
the disease. Mental stress is associated with activation of the
hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis resulting in increased release
of ACTH and cortisol secretion. Stress-induced activation of the HPA
axis is associated with an increased metabolism of cerebral serotonin
(5-HT) the synthesis of which is dependent upon the availability of its
precursor tryptophan. Thus, increased tryptophan availability may partly
underlie the general response to stress. Plasma and CSF tryptophan
levels are diminished in chronic MS patients and it is suggested that
plasma tryptophan levels are even lower in patients who are stressed.
Attenuated increase in the availability of systemic tryptophan in
response to stress is thought to underlie the susceptibility of MS
patients to stress. This hypothesis is supported by the findings in
chronic MS patients of a significantly diminished adrenal cortisol
reactivity to insulin-induced hypoglycemia which is considered a stress
response mediated through the 5-HT system. Consequently, since patients
with MS exhibit an abnormal response to stress it follows that increased
tryptophan availability through dietary supplementation would diminish
their vulnerability to psychological stress. Additionally, if sustained
or repeated stress contributes to progression and clinical deterioration
of the disease then chronic tryptophan supplementation also may halt
its progression.
PMID: 8828059
40.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Jul;86(1-2):33-45.
Reversal of an acute parkinsonian syndrome associated with multiple sclerosis by application of weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The occurrence of movement disorders and particularly Parkinsonian
symptoms is uncommon in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) despite
the rather frequent presence of demyelinating plaques in the basal
ganglia. This disparity between the occurrence of clinical symptoms in
MS and the distribution of demyelinating plaques suggests that
impairment of neurotransmitter functions rather than demyelination may
be critical to the clinical manifestations of the disease. A 48 year old
woman with remitting-progressive MS developed a bilateral Parkinsonian
syndrome in association with acute emotional stress which resolved after
she received two brief successive extracerebral applications of low
frequency picotesla flux density electromagnetic fields (EMFs). It is
believed that in this patient Parkinsonism may have existed in a
subclinical form and that acute stress, which previously has been shown
to precipitate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, triggered the onset of
Parkinsonism by further reducing dopaminergic and serotonergic
neurotransmission in the basal ganglia. The rapid reversal of the
Parkinsonian syndrome by EMFs was related to a presumed augmentation of
dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission which, on the basis of
CSF studies, is reduced in chronic MS patients. The efficacy of EMFs in
the treatment of Parkinson’s disease had been documented previously but
this report demonstrates that this treatment modality is beneficial also
for the treatment of Parkinsonism developing in the setting of other
neurodegenerative disorders.
PMID: 8828058
41.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Jul;86(1-2):23-31.
Estrogen’s impact on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It has long been suspected that hormonal factors contribute directly
and indirectly to the etiology and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
(MS). The susceptibility of MS is higher in women than in men and women
are even more susceptible to hormonal influences when onset occurs at an
early or delayed age. Pregnancy has a short-term favorable effect on
the course of the disease but there is an increased rate of relapse
during the post-partum period. In addition, women often report
premenstrual exacerbation of their symptoms with remission during
menses. These findings suggest that in women estrogens may exert a
stabilizing effect on the clinical manifestations of MS. The role of
estrogens is supported also by observations of a higher incidence of
cognitive impairment in women than men with MS. A 50 year old woman with
a remitting progressive MS experienced profound deterioration in
cognitive functions during withdrawal from estrogen therapy which was
initiated for the treatment of amenorrhea. Improvement in cognitive
functions occurred shortly after she restarted therapy with an
estrogen/progesterone preparation and was maintained during long term
therapy. Serotonin (5-HT) mechanisms have been implicated in memory
functions and estrogens modulate these functions through an interaction
with 5-HT2 receptors in the cerebral cortex and limbic system. It is
suggested that estrogen withdrawal induces impairment in cognitive
functions through dysregulation of 5-HT2 receptor activity and 5-HT
neurotransmission. These findings suggest that estrogens have a
beneficial influence on cognitive functions in MS patients and that
hormonal supplementation might be advised in menopausal and
postmenopausal MS patients for the prevention of cognitive
deterioration.
PMID: 8828057
42.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Mar;85(1-2):125-9.
Weak electromagnetic fields potentiate the effects of 4-aminopyridine in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 8727688
43.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Mar;85(1-2):111-24.
Freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease is improved by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Freezing, a symptom characterized by difficulty in the initiation and
smooth pursuit of repetitive movements, is a unique and well known
clinical feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It usually occurs in
patients with long duration and advanced stage of the disease and is a
major cause of disability often resulting in falling. In PD patients
freezing manifests most commonly as a sudden attack of immobility
usually experienced during walking, attempts to turn while walking, or
while approaching a destination. Less commonly it is expressed as arrest
of speech or handwriting. The pathophysiology of Parkinsonian freezing,
which is considered a distinct clinical feature independent of
akinesia, is poorly understood and is believed to involve abnormalities
in dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission in critical motor
control areas including the frontal lobe, basal ganglia, locus coeruleus
and spinal cord. In general, freezing is resistant to pharmacological
therapy although in some patients reduction or increase in levodopa dose
may improve this symptom. Three medicated PD patients exhibiting
disabling episodes of freezing of gait are presented in whom brief,
extracerebral applications of pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in
the picotesla range improved freezing. Two patients had freezing both
during “on” and “off” periods while the third patient experienced random
episodes of freezing throughout the course of the day. The effect of
each EMFs treatment lasted several days after which time freezing
gradually reappeared, initially in association with “off” periods. These
findings suggest that the neurochemical mechanisms underlying the
development of freezing are sensitive to the effects of EMFs, which are
believed to improve freezing primarily through the facilitation of
serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission at both junctional (synaptic) and
nonjunctional neuronal target sites.
PMID: 8727687
44.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Mar;85(1-2):101-10.
Application of weak electromagnetic fields facilitates sensory-motor integration in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Electrophysiological studies in behaving animals have shown the
function of cerebral serotonin (5-HT) neurons to be altered in
association with motor output in both the tonic and repetitive modes and
also in relation to an orienting response. Brainstem 5-HT neurons
increase their firing rate two to five-fold during repetitive motor
activity to facilitate motor output while simultaneously suppressing
transmission in sensory pathways. Reciprocally, during an orienting
response motor activity is suppressed and 5-HT neuronal activity is
inhibited to facilitate transmission of sensory information. These
reciprocal changes in 5-HT neuronal activity serve to facilitate
brainstem reticular sensory-motor integration which, due to 5-HT
neurotransmission deficiency, may be disrupted in patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS). For instance, MS patients are unable to process
auditory information in the presence of competing ambient stimuli, while
under a controlled laboratory environment they demonstrate unimpaired
verbal information processing. This report concerns three MS patients
who experienced rapid deterioration in balance resulting in falling when
subjected, during ambulation, to distracting external auditory stimuli.
After receiving a series of treatments with low frequency picotesla
range intensity electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which were applied
extracranially for brief periods, these patients experienced resolution
of these symptoms with ambulation being unaffected by auditory stimuli.
It is suggested that application of picotesla EMFs may restore abnormal
reticular sensory-motor integration in MS patients with the effect being
related to facilitation of 5-HT neurotransmission at both junctional
(synaptic) and nonjunctional neuronal target sites.
PMID: 8727686
45.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Mar;85(1-2):93-9.
Bidirectional effect of electromagnetic fields on ketanserin-induced
yawning in patients with multiple sclerosis: the role of melatonin.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
5-HT2 receptors regulate sleep including yawning behavior. Ritanserin, a
selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, increases the duration of slow
wave in rats and humans. This effect is more pronounced during the light
period when melatonin plasma levels are low; melatonin inhibits the
sleep effects of ritanserin. These findings indicate that melatonin
co-determines the effects of ritanserin on sleep. In a cohort of
multiple sclerosis (MS) patients ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2A receptor
antagonist, induces recurrent yawning particularly when administered in
daytime. The frequency of yawning induced by the drug was modified by
AC pulsed picotesla flux electromagnetic fields (EMFs) which affect
melatonin secretion. Two MS patients are presented in whom the frequency
of ketanserin-induced yawning was altered in opposite directions by
these EMFs. The first patient, a 50 year old woman with a
remitting-relapsing course, developed recurrent yawning and sleepiness
after administration of ketanserin (10 mg, PO). Yawning was decreased
dramatically during application of EMFs but was unaffected by a placebo
EMFs treatment. The second patient, a 35 year old man with a chronic
progressive course, manifested a single and brief yawn after
administration of an equal dose of ketanserin. Yawning was increased
dramatically during application of EMFs while remaining unchanged during
a placebo EMFs treatment. These observations demonstrate a
bidirectional effect of picotesla flux EMFs on ketanserin-induced
yawning which may be related to differences in daytime melatonin plasma
levels among MS patients. If validated by estimations of melatonin
plasma levels in a larger cohort of patients the information derived
from the effects of picotesla EMFs on ketanserin-induced yawning could
be used to: (a) assess pineal melatonin functions in patients with MS;
(b) indicate differences in pineal functions between male and female MS
patients; and (c) indicate a relationship between plasma melatonin
levels and the fatigue of MS.
PMID: 8727685
46.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Mar;85(1-2):79-91.
Weak electromagnetic fields increase the amplitude of the pattern reversal VEP response in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Visual evoked potential (VEP) studies are widely used for the diagnosis
of multiple sclerosis (MS) and are also useful in monitoring the
effects of various therapeutic modalities in the disease. Brief,
extracerebral applications of picotesla (pT) range flux intensity
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of low frequency have been shown
efficacious in the treatment of motor and cognitive symptoms in MS
implying that this treatment modality improves action potential
transmission in demyelinating pathways. This report documents three MS
patients with a remitting-progressive course in whom two successive
brief extracerebral applications of pT range EMFs caused an immediate
increase (and normalization) of the amplitudes of the visual evoked
response in the eye previously affected by optic neuritis. However, the
pretreatment prolonged latencies of the evoked responses remained
essentially unchanged after the administration of EMFs. Since the
latency of the VEP reflects the degree of conduction velocity and the
amplitude the degree of conduction block in demyelinating optic
pathways, the report demonstrates that extracerebral applications of
these EMFs may rapidly reverse conduction block in demyelinating fibers.
Reversal of the conduction block, which is though to be related to
changes in axonal Na+ and K+ channels and synaptic neurotransmitter
release, accounts for the immediate improvement of vision and other
neurological deficits observed in MS patients following exposure to
these EMFs.
PMID: 8727684
47.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Feb;84(1-4):187-94.
Effects of picotesla flux electromagnetic fields on dopaminergic transmission in Tourette’s syndrome.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Tourette’s syndrome (TS), a chronic familial neuropsychiatric disorder
of unknown etiology, is characterized clinically by the presence of
motor and vocal tics that wax and wane in severity over the time and by
the occurrence of a variety of neurobehavioral disorders. It is believed
that the tics of TS result from increased dopamine (DA) activity caused
by postsynaptic DA receptor supersensitivity. The synthesis and release
of DA is regulated presynaptically by a specific class of DA D2
receptors, termed autoreceptors activation of which causes inhibition of
DA synthesis and release. In experimental animals and humans
administration of small doses of apomorphine, a DA D2 autoreceptor
agonist, produces yawning. Recurrent episodes of yawning followed by
increased motor tic activity was observed in two patients with TS during
exposure to brief, extracranial applications of picotesla flux
electromagnetic fields (EMFs). On the basis of these observations it is
suggested that recurrent episodes of yawning in response to application
of EMFs was induced by activation of presynaptic DA D2 autoreceptors
while further exposure to these EMFs caused excessive stimulation of
postsynaptic DA D2 receptors resulting in exacerbation of the tics.
Thus, the dual effects of picotesla flux EMFs on the DA D2 autoreceptor
and the postsynaptic receptor resemble the biphasic pharmacological and
behavioral properties of apomorphine, a DA agonist which activates the
autoreceptors in low doses while in higher doses causes stimulation of
the postsynaptic receptors producing exacerbation of symptoms of TS.
These findings demonstrate that picotesla flux EMFs applied
extracerebrally may influence nigrostriatal DA transmission at pre- and
postsynaptic DA D2 receptor sites.
PMID: 8707481
48.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Feb;84(1-4):177-86.
Treatment with weak electromagnetic fields improves fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It is estimated that 75-90% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
experience fatigue at some point during the course of the disease and
that in about half of these patients, subjective fatigue is a primary
complaint. In the majority of patients fatigue is present throughout the
course of the day being most prominent in the mid to late afternoon.
Sleepiness is not prominent, but patients report that rest may attenuate
fatigability. The pathophysiology of the fatigue of MS remains unknown.
Delayed impulse conduction in demyelinated zones may render
transmission in the brainstem reticular formation less effective. In
addition, the observation that rest may restore energy and that
administration of pemoline and amantadine, which increase the synthesis
and release of monoamines, often improve the fatigue of MS suggest that
depletion of neurotransmitter stores in damaged neurons may contribute
significantly to the development of fatigue in these patients. The
present report concerns three MS patients who experienced over several
years continuous and debilitating fatigue throughout the course of the
day. Fatigue was exacerbated by increased physical activity and was not
improved by rest. After receiving a course of treatments with picotesla
flux electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which were applied extracranially,
all patients experienced improvement in fatigue. Remarkably, patients
noted that several months after initiation of treatment with EMFs they
were able to recover, after a short period of rest, from fatigue which
followed increased physical activity. These observations suggest that
replenishment of monoamine stores in neurons damaged by demyelination in
the brainstem reticular formation by periodic applications of picotesla
flux intensity EMFs may lead to more effective impulse conduction and
thus to improvement in fatigue including rapid recovery of fatigue after
rest.
PMID: 8707480
49.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Feb;84(1-4):165-75.
Effect of weak electromagnetic fields on the amplitude of the pattern reversal VEP response in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Visual evoked potential (VEP) studies are widely used for the diagnosis
of multiple sclerosis (MS) and are also useful in monitoring the
effects of various therapeutic modalities in the disease. Prolongation
of the VEP latencies has been demonstrated in patients with MS and in
other neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), a
disorder characterized by deficient cerebral dopamine (DA) functions.
Pharmacological and biochemical studies have demonstrated a positive
correlation between the amplitude of the VEP response and cerebral DA
levels. Since brief, extracerebral applications of picotesla (pT) range
flux intensity electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of low frequency have been
shown to produce rapid improvement in motor and cognitive symptoms in
PD, it is expected that application these EMFs would lead also to an
increase in the amplitude of VEP response. This report documents three
randomly selected PD patients who, following two successive brief
extracerebral applications of pT range EMFs, showed an almost 3-fold
increase of the mean pretreatment amplitude of the pattern reversal VEP
in response to monocular stimulation. One patient underwent also a
placebo EMF treatment which did not result in a significant change in
the posttreatment amplitude. The study demonstrates that in Parkinsonian
patients extracerebral application of these EMFs rapidly increases in
amplitude of the VEP response and, by inference, cerebral DA levels
presumably by increasing DA release.
PMID: 8707479
50.
Int J Neurosci. 1996 Feb;84(1-4):157-64.
Resolution of partial cataplexy in multiple sclerosis by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Cataplexy, an ancillary symptom of narcolepsy, involves the sudden loss
of muscle tone without altered consciousness usually brought on by
sudden excitement or emotional influence and extreme exertions
(Guilleminault et al., 1974; Parks et al., 1974; Guilleminault, 1976;
Aldrich, 1992; 1993; Scrima, 1981; Baker, 1985). Attacks of generalized
cataplexy produce complete atonic, areflexic partial or complete
paralysis of striated muscles commonly involving the leg muscles
resulting in collapse of the knees and falling while milder forms often
termed partial cataplexy may manifest by sagging of the face, eyelid, or
jaw, dysarthria, blurred vision, drooping of the head, weakness of an
arm or leg, buckling at the knees, or simply a momentary sensation of
weakness that is imperceptible to observers (Guilleminault, 1976;
Aldrich, 1993). The duration of cataplexy is usually a few seconds,
although severe episodes can last several minutes and rarely several
hours or days in the case of “status cataplecticus” (Parkes et al.,
1974; Guilleminault, 1976; Billiard & Cadilhac, 1985; Aldrich, 1992;
1993). This report concerns a 51 year old man with chronic progressive
multiple sclerosis who exhibited daily episodes of partial cataplexy
which resolved within 3 weeks after he received treatment with picotesla
electromagnetic fields.
PMID: 8707478
51.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Dec;83(3-4):187-98.
Premenstrual exacerbation of symptoms in multiple sclerosis is attenuated by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It has been suspected that hormonal factors contribute to the etiology
and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). A direct relationship
between MS and endocrine functions is suggested by changes in disease
activity during the phases of the menstrual cycle. A subset of women
with MS experience premenstrual worsening of symptoms which improve
dramatically with the onset of menstruation. The biological mechanisms
underlying these changes in disease activity are unexplained but may be
related to cyclical fluctuations in gonadal sex steroid hormones, abrupt
changes in the activity of the endogenous opioid peptides and
fluctuations in plasma melatonin levels which affect neuronal
excitability and immune functions. Extracerebral application of weak
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla range intensity has been
reported efficacious in the treatment of MS with patients experiencing
sustained improvement in motor, sensory, autonomic, affective and
cognitive functions. The present report concerns two women with chronic
progressive stage MS who experienced, coincident with increasing
functional disability, regular worsening of their symptoms beginning
about a week before menstruation and abating with the onset of
menstruation. These symptoms resolved two months after the initiation of
treatment with EMFs. The report supports the association between the
endocrine system and MS and indicates that brief, extracranial
applications of these magnetic fields modifies the activity of
neuroendocrine systems which precipitate worsening of MS symptoms
premenstrually.
PMID: 8869427
52.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Dec;83(3-4):153-63.
The pineal gland, cataplexy, and multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Since the discovery of melatonin as the principal hormone of the pineal
gland in 1963, scientists have come to recognize that melatonin is a
“master hormone” involved in the control of circadian rhythms and other
biological functions. Although little is known about the influence of
the pineal gland on motor control, important clues may be obtained by
considering the pattern of melatonin secretion during the sleep cycles
and particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when melatonin
plasma levels are at their lowest. Since REM sleep is characterized by
the occurrence of profound atonia which results in an almost complete
paralysis of striated muscles, it is suggested that there might be a
causal relationship between inhibition of melatonin secretion during REM
sleep and the development of REM sleep atonia. This relationship is
supported by the findings that melatonin regulates the activity of
brainstem serotonin (5-HT) neurons which characteristically cease to
fire during REM sleep and which faciliate the development of REM sleep
atonia. Moreover, as the muscular atonia of REM sleep is physiologically
and pharmacologically indistinguishable from cataplexy, it is possible
that the pineal gland also influences to the development of cataplexy.
Cataplexy is an ancillary symptom of narcolepsy and also occurs in
multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, it is believed that several of the
neurological symptoms experienced by patients with MS such as weakness
in the legs, feeling of collapsing knees, paroxysmal sudden falling,
weakness in the neck, extreme fatigue, intermittent paresthesias,
slurring of speech and intermittent blurring of vision, which often are
exacerbated by stress and other emotional influences, may reflect the
manifestations of cataplexy. Thus, several of the clinical features of
MS may reflect a dissociated state of wakefulness and sleep and may
improve by the administration of anticataplectic drugs.
PMID: 8869424
53.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Nov;83(1-2):81-92.
Resolution of dysarthria in multiple sclerosis by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It has been reported that 50% or more of patients diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit speech impairment (dysarthria) which in
some cases can be exceedingly disabling. Currently there is no effective
medical treatment for the dysarthria of MS which occurs as a result of
lesions to the cerebellum and its outflow tracts. It was reported
recently that extracranial application of brief AC pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range intensity
produced in patients with MS sustained improvement in motor functions
including cerebellar symptomatology. This communication concerns two MS
patients with a chronic progressive course who exhibited severe
dysarthria which improved already during the initial treatment with
pulsed EMFs and which resolved completely 3-4 weeks later. Since
application of EMFs has been shown to alter: (a) the resting membrane
potential and synaptic neurotransmitter release through an effect
involving changes in transmembrane calcium flux; and (b) the secretion
of pineal melatonin which in turn influences the synthesis and release
of serotonin (5-HT) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) in the
cerebellum, it is suggested that the immediate improvement of the
dysarthria occurred as a result of changes in cerebellar
neurotransmitter functions particularly 5-HT and GABA rather than from
remyelination.
PMID: 8746751
54.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Nov;83(1-2):69-79.
Reversal of alexia in multiple sclerosis by weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The occurrence of cognitive deficits in patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS) has been recognized since 1877 when Charcot first
observed “enfeeblement of memory” in his patients. Cognitive deficits
have been reported in almost 50% of patients with a relapsing-remitting
course and in a significantly higher percentage of patients with a
chronic progressive course leading to intellectual disability which is
often severe enough to preclude employment. MS is considered a form of
subcortical dementia and the occurrence of classical cortical disorders
such as aphasia, agnosia and apraxia is reported to be rare in the
disease. However, in my experience alexia, a reading impairment
unrelated to visual acuity or visual field defects, is common in
patients with MS. Recently, I reported that treatment with picotesla
range electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is an efficacious modality in the
management of both the motor and cognitive symptoms of MS. Three
patients with MS who developed alexia as a manifestation of the disease
are presented. In all patients the alexia was reversed several months
after they began treatment with EMFs. Since alexia usually reflects a
disconnection syndrome whereby lesions involving the left visual cortex
and the splenium of the corpus callosum disconnect language association
areas from visual association areas, it is suggested that reversal of
the alexia in these patients by EMFs was related to improved
interhemispheric transcallosal transmission of visual information. In
addition, it is conceivable that changes in the metabolism of
monoamines, which are involved in visual information processing and
reading comprehension, may have been important in causing reversal of
the alexia. This report further supports the unique efficacy of this
treatment modality in reversing specific cognitive deficits in MS.
PMID: 8746750
55.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Nov;83(1-2):45-57.
Long term beneficial effects of weak electromagnetic fields in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 39 year-old severely disabled woman with a 19 year history of chronic
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) began to experience
improvement in symptoms within 24 hours after she received experimental
treatment with picotesla electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Pattern reversal
visual evoked potential (VEP) study obtained three weeks after the
initiation of the first magnetic treatment showed a return to normal of
the P100 latencies in each eye. The patient continued to receive 1-2
EMFs treatments per week and during the following 32 months she made a
dramatic recovery with resolution of diplopia, blurring of vision,
dysarthria, ataxia of gait, and bladder dysfunction as well as
improvement in fatigue, heat tolerance, mood, sleep, libido, and
cognitive functions. VEP studies, which were repeated in April of 1995
more than 2 1/2 years after the initiation of magnetic treatment, showed
that P100 latencies remained normal in each eye providing objective
documentation that continued application of these EMFs may sustain
normal conduction in the damaged optic pathways over a long period of
time. This is the first case report documenting the dramatic long term
beneficial effects of treatment with picotesla range EMFs in a patient
with MS.
PMID: 8746748
56.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Nov;83(1-2):1-6.
Diurnal variations in vision and relations to circadian melatonin secretion in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It has long been recognized that symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
wax and wane with fluctuations occurring on an hour to-hour basis
throughout a 24 hour period. It has been proposed that changes in
circadian core body temperature, which alter axonal conductivity, may
account for the fluctuations of symptoms in MS. A 51-year-old man with
MS is reported in whom visual acuity deteriorated throughout the course
of the day only to improve again at night between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00
a.m. These changes in vision were unrelated to rest or physical
activity, but appeared to coincide with the circadian secretion of
melatonin which is coupled to the circadian temperature rhythms. Since
melatonin lowers body temperature, it is hypothesized that the nocturnal
rise in melatonin secretion was related to improvement in vision in
this patient. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that
administration of melatonin (3 mg, orally) at 2:00 p.m., when the
patient experienced severe blurring of vision, resulted within 15
minutes in a dramatic improvement in visual acuity and in normalization
of the visual evoked potential latency after stimulation of the left
eye. Moreover, since the pineal gland is a thermoregulatory organ which
functions to prevent excessive rise of body temperature, it is possible
that since MS is associated with dysfunction of the pineal gland, these
patients may experience diminished capacity to eliminate heat at rest or
during physical activity with resultant elevation of body temperatures
which may further compromise neurologic functions by causing failure of
axonal conduction.
PMID: 8746744
57.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Jun;82(3-4):285-302.
Weak electromagnetic fields improve body image perception in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Neuropsychological studies have demonstrated that multiple sclerosis
(MS) is associated with various cognitive deficits and it has been
suggested that it be considered a form of subcortical dementia. It is
now recognized that visuoperceptive and visuomotor deficits commonly
occur in MS patients particularly in those with chronic progressive
course of the disease. The Human Figure Drawing Test has been employed
in the assessment of generalized intellectual deterioration and
specifically in the evaluation of visuoperceptive, visuospatial and
visuoconstructional abilities in brain injured patients. I have
demonstrated recently, on the basis of various drawing test, the
external application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla
(pT) range intensity improved visuoperceptive and visuospatial functions
in patients with MS. In the present communication I present five MS
patients who were administered the Human Figure Drawing Test before and
after a series of treatments with EMFs. Prior to application of EMFs
four of these patients’ drawings showed distortions, poor perspectives,
impoverished facial expression, and lack of attention to details
suggesting poor body image perception related to right posterior
hemispheric dysfunction. In response to the administration of EMFs the
group demonstrated improvement in motor disability which was associated
with a striking improvement in the drawing particularly the drawings of
the face the perception of which is localized to the right parietal
lobe. These findings demonstrate that treatment with pT EMFs improves
body image perception in MS patients thus corroborating previous
observations which demonstrated this treatment modality to exert
beneficial effects on cognitive functions in patients with MS.
PMID: 7558655
58.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Jun;82(3-4):269-83.
Improvement of body image perception in Parkinson’s disease by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Neuropsychological studies have demonstrated that Parkinson’s disease
(PD) is associated with various cognitive deficits ultimately leading in
about 30% of patients to the development of dementia. These studies
have demonstrated also a greater decrement of right hemispheric
functions which are manifested by visuospatial deficits occurring in up
to 90% of PD patients. The Human Figure Drawing Test has been employed
in the assessment of generalized intellectual deterioration and
specifically in the evaluation of visuperceptive, visuospatial and
visuoconstructional abilities in brain injured patients. I have
demonstrated recently, on the basis of various drawing tests, that
external application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla
(pT) range intensity improved visuoperceptive and visuospatial functions
in Parkinsonian patients. In the present communication I present 4
fully medicated nondemented Parkinsonian patients who were administered
the Human Figure Drawing Test before and after a series of treatments
with EMFs. The Human Figure Drawing Test was selected for the study
specifically since it was shown to be sensitive to the effects of
surgery to the basal ganglia in Parkinsonian patients. Prior to
application of EMFs these patients’ drawings showed distortion, poor
perspective, impoverished facial expression, and lack of attention to
details suggested poor body image perception related to right posterior
hemispheric dysfunction. In response to the administration of EMFs the
group demonstrated a striking improvement in the drawings particularly
the depiction of the face the perception of which is localized to the
right parietal lobe. These findings demonstrate that treatment with pT
EMFs improves body image perception in Parkinsonian patients, a deficit
which may remain unaffected by treatment with standard dopaminergic
pharmacotherapy.
PMID: 7558654
59.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Jun;82(3-4):255-68.
Reversal of visuospatial deficit on the Clock Drawing Test in
Parkinson’s disease by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Visuospatial deficits are among the most frequently encountered
abnormalities in neuropsychological testing of patients with Parkinson’s
disease, being present in up to 90% of cases. Clinically, impairment of
visuospatial functions may not be noted by Parkinsonian patients but
may contribute to various functional disabilities including frequent
falls, difficulties operating a vehicle, ambulating, and dressing. I
have reported recently that treatment with external electromagnetic
fields (EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range intensity is an effective
nonpharmacological modality in the management of the motor and various
cognitive deficits of Parkinsonism including visuoperceptive and
visuospatial functions. The present communication concerns four fully
medicated Parkinsonian patients who, in response to treatment with EMFs,
exhibited reversal of visuospatial impairments as demonstrated on the
Clock Drawing Test. Specifically, prior to treatment with EMFs these
patients demonstrated a visuospatial deficit which was evident by the
placement of the numbers on the clock distant from the periphery.
Following a series of treatments with EMFs this visuospatial deficit was
corrected. The report supports prior observations demonstrating that
externally applied pT range intensity EMFs may bring about reversal of
visuospatial deficits in Parkinsonian patients which usually are not
improved by treatment with dopaminergic or anticholinergic drugs.
PMID: 7558653
60.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Jun;82(3-4):223-42.
Chronic relapsing multiple sclerosis: a case of rapid recovery by application of weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 54 year-old woman was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1985
at the age of 45 after she developed diplopia, slurred speech, and
weakness in the right leg. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
obtained in 1985 showed several areas of plaque formation distributed in
the periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale bilaterally.
Coincident with slow deterioration in her condition since 1990 a second
MRI scan was obtained in 1991 which showed a considerable increase in
the number and size of plaques throughout both cerebral hemispheres,
subcortical white matter, periventricularly and brainstem. In 1994, the
patient received treatment with Interferon beta- 1b (Betaseron) for 6
months with no improvement in symptoms. However, following two
successive extracranial applications of pulsed electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range each of 20 minutes duration the
patient experienced an immediate improvement in symptoms most
dramatically in gait, balance, speech, level of energy, swallowing,
mood, and vision. On a maintenance program of 3 treatments per month the
patient’s only symptom is mild right foot and leg weakness. The report
points to the unique efficacy of externally applied pT range EMFs in the
symptomatic treatment of MS, indicates a lack of an association between
the extent of demyelinating plaques on MRI scan and rate and extent of
recovery in response to EMFs, and supports the notion that dysfunction
of synaptic conductivity due to neurotransmitter deficiency particularly
of serotonin (5-HT) contributes more significantly to the development
of MS symptoms than the process of demyelination which clinically seems
to represent an epiphenomenon of the disease.
PMID: 7558651
61.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 May;82(1-2):113-25.
Weak electromagnetic fields restore dream recall in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It is now well established that dreaming is a phenomenon associated
with REM sleep and that we dream far more than we can recall. Loss of
dream recall has been reported in association with cerebral lesions of
different sites with predilection to the posterior cerebral hemispheres.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder
characterised by the presence of diffuse pathological lesions affecting
cortical, subcortical, and brainstem areas which are implicated in the
generation and maintenance of REM sleep as well as dream recall.
Although MS is associated with a high incidence of sleep disturbances,
little is known about the frequency of dreaming and particularly dream
recall in these patients and their association with such features as the
course of the disease, extent of neurological deficits, rate of
progression, sites of demyelinating plaques on MRI scan, and recovery.
In my experience morning dream recall and probably dreaming activity
become infrequent with the onset and/or during periods of exacerbation
of the disease. The present communication concerns four selected MS
patients who experienced alterations in dream content and loss of
morning dream recall during the course of the disease. In all patients
dream recall was restored, along with improvement in neurological
symptoms, following the external application of a series of treatments
with weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These findings suggest that in
MS morning dream recall may decline and cease to occur during the course
of the disease. Recurrence of dream recall may be a marker of clinical
recovery which can be used to assess neurologic improvement in patients
undergoing treatment with experimental treatment modalities.
PMID: 7591509
62.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Apr;81(3-4):215-24.
Resolution of Lhermitte’s sign in multiple sclerosis by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Dann LC.
Abstract
Lhermitte’s sign, the occurrence of an electrical sensation passing
down the back to the legs on flexion of the neck is a common and
characteristic feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) which is related to
spinal cord lesions affecting the posterior columns and cervical nerve
roots. The Lhermitte’s sign, which has been reported to occur at some
time in up to 25% of MS patients, is seldom painful but is often a cause
of distress to the patient and usually a marker of increased disease
activity. Treatment with extracranial picotesla range pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has been found efficacious in the
management of various MS symptoms including pain syndromes. The present
communication concerns three MS patients in whom two brief applications
of EMFs resulted in resolution of the Lhermitte’s sign which emerged
during a period of exacerbation of symptoms in one patient and during a
prolonged phase of symptom deterioration in the other two patients. As
the cause of the Lhermitte’s sign is thought to result from the spread
of ectopic excitation in demyelinated plaques in the cervical and
thoracic regions of the spinal cord, it is hypothesized that the effects
of EMFs are related to the reduction of axonal excitability via a
mechanism involving changes in ionic membrane permeability. A systemic
effect on pain control systems is also postulated to occur secondary to
the effects of EMFs on neurotransmitter activity and pineal melatonin
functions. This report underscores the efficacy of picotesla EMFs in the
management of paroxysmal pain symptoms in MS.
PMID: 7628912
63.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Apr;81(3-4):199-213.
Improvement of right hemispheric functions in a child with Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome by weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome (GTS) is a chronic, familial
neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown etiology characterized clinically
by the occurrence of motor and vocal tics and by the presence of a
variety of neurobehavioral and neurocognitive abnormalities including
hyperactivity, self-multilatory behavior, obsessive-compulsive behavior,
learning disabilities, and conduct disorder. On the basis of
neuropsychological assessments it has been suggested that GTS is
associated with greater right than left hemispheric dysfunction which
accounts for decrements in visuospatial, visuoconstructional and
visuomotor skills in these patients. Recent case studies have
demonstrated that extracranial application of electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range intensity improves visuospatial and
visuoperceptive functions in patients with neurodegenerative disorders
including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s
disease. I now present a 6 1/2 year old boy with GTS in whom this
treatment modality produced, in addition to symptomatic behavioral
improvement, also improvement in visuoconstructional and visuomotor
skills as evidenced on various drawing tasks particularly copy of the
Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, a task which is especially vulnerable to
right hemispheric functions. These findings suggest that pT range EMFs
may be useful for the treatment of GTS and related disorders and also
reverse some of the cognitive impairments associated with the disease
which are related to right hemispheric dysfunction and which contribute
to learning disabilities in these patients.
PMID: 7628911
64.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Mar;81(1-2):95-100.
Cholinergic mechanisms in Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS), a chronic, familial,
neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized
clinically by the presence of motor and vocal tics that wax and wane in
severity over time and by the occurrence of a variety of neurobehavioral
disturbances including hyperactivity, self-mutilatory behavior,
obsessive compulsive behavior, learning disabilities, and conduct
disorder. Pharmacological studies suggest that the tics of GTS result
from dysfunction of monoaminergic systems, more specifically from
increased dopaminergic activity due to postsynaptic dopamine receptor
supersensitivity. However, given that striatal dopaminergic and
cholinergic systems exhibit reciprocal antagonism in other movement
disorders such as Parkinsonism and chorea, it is conceivable that the
cholinergic system is implicated in the disease. In the present
communication it is proposed that: (a) the emergence of motor and vocal
tics in GTS is associated with increased central cholinergic activity;
(b) cholinergic overactivity is involved in the manifestation of other
symptoms in GTS including depression, sleep disorders, motion sickness,
pain, sensory tics, and the waxing and waning course of the disease; (c)
abnormalities of the cholinergic system support previous evidence
linking GTS with delayed cerebral maturation in a subset of young
patients; and (d) drugs which stimulate cholinergic receptors may
exacerbate symptoms of GTS, and as with dopamine agonists, should be
avoided in patients with GTS.
PMID: 7775075
Select item 7775074
65.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Mar;81(1-2):83-93.
Parkinsonian micrographia reversed by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Micrographia is one of the characteristic clinical signs of Parkinson’s
disease (PD) which is linked to striatal dopaminergic deficiency. It
has been reported recently that external application of weak
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range and of low
frequency produced dramatic improvements in motor symptoms in
Parkinsonian patients indicating that a specific range of
electromagnetic energy increases, among others, striatal dopaminergic
neurotransmission. In the present communication, I present two fully
mediated Parkinsonian patients who, prior to the application of EMFs,
drew lilliputian sized figures reflecting the micrographia of the
disease. In both patients a series of treatments with pT EMFs produced,
in addition to improvement in motor symptoms, a dramatic increase in the
size of their drawings with reversal of their micrographia. Since both
patients were maintained on dopaminergic medications prior to and during
treatment with EMFs it is suggested that Parkinsonian micrographia is
related also to abnormalities of nondopaminergic systems which are
affected by weak EMFs. This report corroborates previous observations
demonstrating the powerful antiParkinsonian effect of pT range EMFs and
highlights the unique efficacy of this treatment modality in
Parkinsonism.
PMID: 7775074
66.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Mar;81(1-2):67-82.
Improvement in short-term visual memory by weak electromagnetic fields in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Neuropsychological studies have demonstrated that Parkinson’s disease
(PD) is associated with various cognitive deficits ultimately leading in
about 30% of patients to the development of dementia. These studies
have demonstrated also a greater decrement of right hemispheric
functions with visuospatial deficits occurring in up to 90% of PD
patients. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) Test has been
employed in the assessment of right hemispheric functions and
particularly for the evaluation of visuoconstructive abilities and
short-term visual memory. I have demonstrated recently that external
application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range
intensity is an effective nonpharmacological modality in the management
of the motor and cognitive deficits of Parkinsonism. In the present
communication I present 3 fully medicated nondemented PD patients (mean
age: 68 +/- 8.1 yrs; mean duration of illness: 9.0 +/- 4.0 yrs; mean
disability on the Hoehn and Yahr scale: 3) who were tested on the ROCF
Test before and after a series of treatments with EMFs. In response to
the administration of EMFs the group demonstrated a mean of 23.1 +/-
13.6% improved performance on copy of the ROCF and a 39.3 +/- 13.4%
improvement of short-term recall of the ROCF. These findings demonstrate
that treatment with pT EMFs improves deficits in visuospatial functions
and visual memory in Parkinsonism which usually remain unaffected
during standard treatment with dopaminergic pharmacotherapy.
PMID: 7775073
67.
Int J Neurosci. 1995 Mar;81(1-2):47-65.
Weak electromagnetic fields reverse visuospatial hemi-inattention in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Drawing tasks, both free and copied, have achieved a central position
in neuropsychological testing of patients with unilateral cerebral
dysfunction by virtue of their sensitivity to different kinds of organic
brain disorders and their ability to provide information on lateralized
brain damage. In the drawings of patients with right hemispheric
damage, visuospatial neglect is revealed by the omission of details on
the side of the drawing contralateral to the hemispheric lesion.
Patients with unilateral cerebral damage, particularly those with left
hemispheric damage, also demonstrate a tendency to place their drawings
on the side of the page ipsilateral to the cerebral lesion, a phenomenon
which has been termed visuospatial hemi-inattention. It has been
reported previously that brief external application of alternating
pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range
intensity improved visuoperceptive and visuospatial functions and
reversed neglect in Parkinsonian patients. The present communication
concerns four fully medicated elderly nondemented Parkinsonian patients
(mean age: 74.7 +/- 4.6 yrs; mean duration of illness: 7.7 +/- 5.2 yrs)
in whom application of these EMFs produced reversal of visuospatial
hemi-inattention related to left hemispheric dysfunction. These findings
support prior observations demonstrating that pT EMFs may bring about
reversal of certain cognitive deficits in Parkinsonian patients.
PMID: 7775072
68.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Dec;79(3-4):199-212.
Weak electromagnetic fields attenuate tremor in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Dann LC.
Abstract
It has been estimated that about 75% of patients diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis (MS) have tremor which can be exceedingly disabling.
The most common tremor observed in patients with MS is a cerebellar
intention tremor (‘kinetic tremor’) although postural tremor (‘static
tremor’) is also common and often extremely incapacitating. Currently
there is no effective medical treatment for the tremor of MS which, in
some severe cases, may be abolished by stereotactic thalamotomy. It was
reported recently that extracranial application of brief AC pulsed
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the picotesla (pT) range produced
improvement in motor and cognitive functions in patients with MS. The
present communication concerns three MS patients with a chronic
progressive course of the disease (mean age: 39.3 +/- 8.3 years; mean
duration of illness: 11.3 +/- 3.2 years) in whom brief external
applications of pulsed EMFs of 7.5 pT intensity reduced intention and
postural tremors resulting in significant functional improvement. The
report suggests that these extremely low intensity EMFs are beneficial
also in the treatment of tremors in MS and that this treatment may serve
as an alternative method to stereotactic thalamotomy in the management
of tremor in MS. The mechanisms by which EMFs attenuate the tremors of
MS are complex and are thought to involve augmentation of GABA and
serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in the cerebellum and its outflow
tracts.
PMID: 7744562
69.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Dec;79(3-4):169-84.
Reversal of visuospatial hemi-inattention in patients with chronic
progressive multiple sclerosis by treatment with weak electromagnetic
fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The occurrence of cognitive
impairment including visuoperceptive and visuospatial deficits have long
been recognized to occur in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
particularly among patients with a chronic progressive course. In MS
visuospatial and visuoperceptive deficits have been attributed to the
presence of diffuse demyelinating plaques which “disconnect” the
brainstem reticular formation and other subcortical structures involved
in attention and arousal from cortical areas thus causing a state of
hypoarousal. It has been reported recently that brief external
applications of alternating pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the
picotesla (pT) range intensity improved visuoperceptive and visuospatial
functions in MS patients. The present communication concerns three
female patients with chronic progressive course of MS (mean age: 52.3
+/- 2.0 yrs; mean duration of illness: 17.6 +/- 10.2 yrs) who, on tests
of free drawings, demonstrated visuospatial hemi-inattention as a
feature of more global cognitive deterioration. In all patients brief
applications of EMFs rapidly reversed this cognitive deficit. These
findings support prior observations demonstrating that pT EMFs may bring
about reversal of certain cognitive deficits in MS patients which, to
my knowledge, remain unaffected by any other treatment modality.
PMID: 7744559
70.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Nov;79(1-2):99-110.
A drug naive parkinsonian patient successfully treated with weak electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Brief cerebral application of picotesla (pT) electromagnetic fields
(EMF) has been demonstrated an efficacious, revolutionary treatment
modality for the therapy of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with clinical
benefits being evident in all motor aspects of the disease as well as in
nonmotor symptoms such as mood, sleep, pain, sexual dysfunction,
autonomic regulation and cognitive functions. Since treatment with pT
EMF has involved PD patients who were treated with dopaminergic agents
at the time they received EMF there may have been a synergistic
interaction between dopaminergic drugs and EMF. The present
communication concerns a 49-year-old male Parkinsonian patient with
stage 3 disability on the Hoehn and Yahr scale (1967) who, in response
to brief extracranial applications of pT EMF, demonstrated a marked
improvement in motor, depressive symptomatology and cognitive functions
and was classified as stage 1 several weeks later. This case is
remarkable in that the patient did not receive treatment with
dopaminergic drugs prior to or during the course of EMF therapy. It
suggests that (a) pT range EMF may be efficacious as a monotherapy for
PD and should be considered also as a treatment modality for de novo
diagnosed patients, and (b) application of these EMF improves
Parkinsonism by a mechanism which involves, among others, augmentation
of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.
PMID: 7744555
71.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Nov;79(1-2):75-90.
Improvement in word-fluency performance in patients with multiple sclerosis by electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Impairment of cognitive functions is well recognized in patients
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially those with a chronic
progressive course. In fact, MS has been considered a type of
“subcortical dementia” in which cognitive and behavioral abnormalities
resemble those observed in patients with frontal lobe syndrome. Patients
with frontal lobe syndrome are known to exhibit diverse cognitive and
behavioral abnormalities which include, among others, diminished
spontaneity of speech with difficulties producing appropriate words and
phrases. It has been reported recently that extracranial application of
extremely weak electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the picotesla range
produced improvement in motor and cognitive functions in patients with
MS. The present report concerns three women with MS (mean age: 44.3 +/-
8.5 yrs; mean duration of illness: 18.3 +/- 3.5 yrs), two with chronic
progressive course and the third with a relapsing-remitting course in
whom the Thurstone Word-Fluency Test, a reputed test of frontal lobe
function, was administered prior to and following a series of 4 to 5
treatment sessions with EMF. Prior to the initiation of treatment with
EMF all patients demonstrated word fluency performance which was well
below age and sex-matched normal controls of similar level of education
(mean output of MS patients was 42.6 +/- 1.1 words vs. 79.0 +/- 6.2
words of the controls). A series of treatments with EMF produced a 100%
increase in word output within a short period of time (mean: 83.3 +/-
14.0 words). These findings suggest that this treatment modality
improves frontal lobe functions in patients with MS and corroborate
previous reports indicating beneficial effects of EMF on cognitive
functions in these patients.
PMID: 7744553
72.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Sep;78(1-2):53-66.
Improvement by picoTesla range magnetic fields of perceptual-motor
performance and visual memory in a patient with chronic progressive
multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
Abstract
The
occurrence of cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been
recognized since 1877 when Charcot first observed “enfeeblement of
memory.” It is now recognized that visuoperceptive and visuomotor
deficits commonly occur in MS patients particularly in those with a
chronic progressive course of the disease. Using various drawing tests
as markers of constructional performance, we reported recently that
treatment with picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) rapidly improved
visuoperceptive and constructional abilities in patients with MS. We now
report a 58 year old man with a 37 year history of chronic progressive
MS in whom external application of MF in the picoTesla range produced
rapid improvement of neurologic symptoms including walking, balance,
sensory symptoms, and bladder functions. The patient’s recovery was
associated with a significant improvement in perceptual-motor functions
as demonstrated on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and the Trail
Making tests. Specifically, the patient demonstrated a 41% improvement
over pretest values on copying the Complex figure and a 72% improvement
in recall of the figure immediately after MF treatment. A further 4%
improvement on copying the figure and a 27% improvement on recall was
demonstrated 24 hours later. On the Trail Making test the patient
demonstrated an overall improvement of 39% in Part A of the test and a
24% improvement in Part B of the test 24 hours after application of MF.
These findings confirm the beneficial effects of picoTesla range MF in
the treatment of MS and demonstrate the unique efficacy of this
treatment modality in improving some of the cognitive deficits of the
disease.
PMID: 7829292
73.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Sep;78(1-2):111-22.
Naltrexone attenuates the antiparkinsonian effects of picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
Abstract
Extracranial treatment with magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla range
has been shown an efficacious treatment modality in the management of
Parkinsonism. The mechanisms by which such extremely weak MF improve
Parkinsonian symptoms are unknown. As the pineal gland has been shown to
function as a “magnetosensor” and since exposure to various intensities
of MF disrupts melatonin secretion, it has been proposed that the
beneficial effects of MF in Parkinsonism are partly mediated through the
actions of pineal melatonin. Animal studies indicate that externally
applied MF also influence the activity of the opioid peptides which have
been implicated in a broad range of pathological conditions including
Parkinsonism. To explore whether the beneficial effects of MF in
Parkinsonism involve the mediation of the opioid systems and following
informed consent, we administered the opiate receptor antagonist
naltrexone (50 mg, P.O.) to a Parkinsonian patient after he showed
improvement of symptoms with application of MF. Results of the trial
showed that naltrexone partially reversed the antiparkinsonian effects
of MF thus suggesting that opioid peptides are involved in mediating the
clinical effects of these extremely weak MF in Parkinsonism. These
results also suggest that intact opioid systems may be required for a
full expression of the antiparkinsonian effect of picoTesla range MF.
PMID: 7829285
74.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Aug;77(3-4):243-59.
Rapid normalization of visual evoked potentials by picoTesla range magnetic fields in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
This communication concerns a 55 year old woman with a 5 year history
of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in whom a single external
application of extremely low magnetic fields (MF) (7.5 picoTesla; 5 Hz
frequency) of 20 minutes duration resulted in a rapid improvement in
symptoms including vision, cerebellar symptomatology (ataxia and
dysarthria), bladder functions, mood, sleep, cognitive functions and
fatigue. Improvement in the patient’s symptoms was associated with
normalization of the pretreatment abnormal visual evoked potential (VEP)
latencies within 24 hours after magnetic treatment. The rapid
normalization of the VEP latencies suggests that recovery did not occur
as a result of remyelination but probably was related to enhancement of
neurotransmitter functions. MF have been shown to alter cellular calcium
metabolism which may facilitate axonal conduction in demyelinating
plaques. Furthermore, as MF affects the release of the pineal gland’s
principal hormone, melatonin, which influences the release of
monoamines, it is also hypothesized that the effects of picoTesla MF in
MS are partly mediated by the pineal gland which has recently been
implicated in the pathogenesis of MS (Sandyk, 1992 a).
PMID: 7814217
75.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Aug;77(3-4):203-27.
Further observations on the effects of external picoTesla range
magnetic fields on visual memory and visuospatial functions in multiple
sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The occurrence of
cognitive deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been
recognized since 1877 when Charcot first observed “enfeeblement of
memory” in his patients and subsequently Gowers (1893) described
“failure of memory.” The presence of cognitive deficits in MS may be a
major cause of disability which is often severe enough to preclude
employment. Impairment of memory including visual memory is one of the
most common features of the dementia of MS and may be evident in early
stages of the disease. Disturbances of visuospatial and visuomotor
functions are also commonly encountered in MS patients reflecting the
multiplicity of lesion sites in the disease. Recently, I have reported
that treatment with magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla range is an
efficacious modality in the management of MS and have demonstrated
improvement in visuospatial functions with this treatment modality. In
the present communication I present four additional patients with MS in
whom application of these extremely weak MF produced an improvement in
visual memory as well as visuospatial and visuomotor functions. The data
presented demonstrate the unique efficacy of this treatment modality in
reversing some of the cognitive deficits associated with MS.
PMID: 7814214
76.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jul;77(1-2):85-8.
Stephen Walter Ranson (1880-1942): a pioneer in hypothalamic research.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 7989164
77.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jul;77(1-2):77-84.
Reversal of micrographia in Parkinson’s disease by application of picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
Abstract
Micrographia, a common and often early sign of Parkinson’s disease
(PD), is a sensitive clinical marker of the severity of bradykinesia and
rigidity in the disease. As micrographia may be reversed by treatment
with dopaminergic drugs and may emerge during therapy with neuroleptic
agents, it is thought to reflect striatal dopaminergic deficiency. It
has been reported recently that external application of picoTesla range
magnetic fields (MF) produced a dramatic improvement in the motor
symptoms of PD suggesting that these weak MF enhance striatal
dopaminergic neurotransmission. In the present communication, we present
a 61 year old patient with PD in whom picoTesla range MF attenuated the
severity of bradykinesia and rigidity, improved postural stability, and
rapidly reversed the micrographia within 30 minutes after termination
of treatment. In contrast, sham (placebo) MF did not influence the
severity of the motor symptoms of the disease or the associated
micrographia. This report demonstrates the antiParkinsonian effect of
picoTesla range MF and highlights the unique efficacy of these weak MF
in the therapy of Parkinsonism.
PMID: 7989163
78.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jul;77(1-2):23-46.
Improvement in word-fluency performance in Parkinson’s disease by administration of electromagnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The association between degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA)
system and the motor manifestations of Parkinson’s disease (PD)
provided the impetus for the development of DA replacement therapy.
However, clinical experience has demonstrated that DA-ergic drugs, while
attenuating the motor symptoms of PD, have little or no consistent
effect on the mental and cognitive symptoms of the disease which are
thought to be related partly to degeneration of the meso-cortico-limbic
DA system. Thus, failure of DA-ergic drugs to improve the mental and
cognitive deficits of PD indicates that these agents cannot fully
restore DA functions in the meso-cortico-limbic circuits. The present
communication concerns five fully medicated Parkinsonian patients in
whom application of a series of treatments with electromagnetic fields
(EMF) of extremely low intensity (in the picotesla range) and frequency
(5-8Hz) produced a dramatic improvement in performance on Thurstone’s
World-Fluency Test, a sensitive marker of frontal lobe functions. These
findings suggest that in contrast to DA replacement therapy application
of low intensity EMF may improve frontal lobe functions in patients with
PD presumably by augmenting DA activity in the mesocortical system. As
deficiency of the frontal DA system has been implicated also in the
development of akinesia and freezing in PD these observations may
explain the beneficial effects of EMF on the motor manifestations of the
disease.
PMID: 7989159
79.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jun;76(3-4):249-57.
The co-occurrence of multiple sclerosis and migraine headache: the serotoninergic link.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
The occurrence of migraine headaches in patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS) has been recognized for quite some time but the
significance of this association to the pathogenesis of MS largely has
been ignored. Several reports have documented that migraine headaches
may occur during exacerbation of symptoms and may even herald the onset
of relapse in MS. We present three MS patients in whom migraine
headaches developed during a period of relapse. As migraine has been
linked to changes in serotonin (5-HT) functions, the emergence of
migraine headaches coincident with the onset of relapse implicates
dysregulation of the 5-HT system in the pathophysiology of MS. This
hypothesis is plausible considering the evidence that MS patients are
serotonergically depleted and that 5-HT is involved in maintaining the
integrity of the blood brain barrier, disruption of which is believed to
occur in the initial stages of exacerbation of MS symptoms.
Furthermore, this hypothesis may have potential therapeutic implications
in the treatment of exacerbations of MS and possibly in the prevention
of relapse in the disease.
PMID: 7960481
80.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jun;76(3-4):227-9.
The effects of external picotesla range magnetic fields on the EEG in Parkinson’s disease: a follow up study.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 7960478
Select item 7960477
81.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jun;76(3-4):185-225.
Alzheimer’s disease: improvement of visual memory and visuoconstructive
performance by treatment with picotesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Impairments in visual memory and visuoconstructive functions commonly
occur in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recently, I reported
that external application of electromagnetic fields (EMF) of extremely
low intensity (in the picotesla range) and of low frequency (in the
range of 5Hz-8Hz) improved visual memory and visuoperceptive functions
in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Since a subgroup of Parkinsonian
patients, specifically those with dementia, have coexisting pathological
and clinical features of AD, I investigated in two AD patients the
effects of these extremely weak EMF on visual memory and
visuoconstructive performance. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test as
well as sequential drawings from memory of a house, a bicycle, and a
man were employed to evaluate the effects of EMF on visual memory and
visuoconstructive functions, respectively. In both patients treatment
with EMF resulted in a dramatic improvement in visual memory and
enhancement of visuoconstructive performance which was associated
clinically with improvement in other cognitive functions such as short
term memory, calculations, spatial orientation, judgement and reasoning
as well as level of energy, social interactions, and mood. The report
demonstrates, for the first time, that specific cognitive symptoms of AD
are improved by treatment with EMF of a specific intensity and
frequency. The rapid improvement in cognitive functions in response to
EMF suggests that some of the mental deficits of AD are reversible being
caused by a functional (i.e., synaptic transmission) rather than a
structural (i.e., neuritic plaques) disruption of neuronal communication
in the central nervous system.
PMID: 7960477
82.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 May;76(1-2):81-6.
The relationship between melatonin secretion and serum cholesterol in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
We have reported recently that nocturnal melatonin levels are reduced
in a subgroup of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We have also
noted in these patients a high incidence of hypercholesterolemia and
propose that this may be linked to dysfunction of the pineal gland since
pinealectomy in rats was reported to be associated with elevation of
blood cholesterol levels. To test this hypothesis, we studied the
relationship between nocturnal plasma melatonin levels and serum
cholesterol levels in a cohort of 24 MS patients (4 men; 20 women; mean
age: 40.2 years SD = 9.5) who were admitted to an inpatient neurologic
clinic for acute exacerbation of symptoms. For the purpose of comparison
we also evaluated in these patients the association between melatonin
levels and serum triglyceride (TG) levels. As predicted, we found a
significantly higher serum cholesterol level in 10 patients who had low
nocturnal plasma melatonin levels (mean: 17.1 pg/ml +/- 5.9) compared to
14 patients in whom melatonin levels were in the normal range (mean:
42.9 pg/ml +/- 10.6) (mean cholesterol = 241.5 mg/dl +/- 50.8 vs. 183.7
mg/dl +/- 27.2; p < .001). In contrast, serum TG levels did not
differ significantly between the groups. As serum cholesterol levels
were statistically unrelated to TG levels, these findings suggest a
specific association between pineal melatonin and cholesterol
metabolism. If confirmed in future research, these findings suggest that
the pineal gland may exert a cholesterol reducing effect and that
melatonin could be used therapeutically in the treatment of
hypercholesterolemia.
PMID: 7960472
83.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 May;76(1-2):71-9.
The relationship of pineal calcification to cerebral atrophy on CT scan in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Calcification is a known morphological feature of the pineal gland. The
mechanisms underlying the development of pineal calcification (PC) are
elusive although there is experimental evidence that calcification may
be a marker of the past secretory activity of the gland and/or of
degeneration. The increased incidence of PC with aging suggests that it
may reflect cerebral degenerative changes as well. In a recent Editorial
in this Journal it was proposed that the pineal gland is implicated in
the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cerebral atrophy, which can
be demonstrated on CT scan, is a common feature of MS resulting from
demyelination and gliosis. If PC is a marker of a cerebral degenerative
process, then one would expect a higher incidence of calcification of
the gland in patients with cerebral atrophy compared to those without
cerebral atrophy. To test this hypothesis, we studied the incidence of
PC on CT scan in a cohort of 48 MS patients, 21 of whom had cerebral
atrophy. For the purpose of comparison, we also assessed the incidence
of choroid plexus calcification (CPC) in relation to cerebral atrophy.
PC was found in 42 patients (87.5%) and its incidence in patients with
cerebral atrophy was significantly higher compared to the incidence in
patients without cerebral atrophy (100% vs. 77.7%; p < .025). In
contrast, CPC was unrelated to cerebral atrophy or to PC thus supporting
the notion of a specific association between the pineal gland and the
pathogenesis of MS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PMID: 7960471
84.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Apr;75(3-4):229-37.
Relationship of nocturnal melatonin levels to duration and course of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common of the demyelinating
diseases of the CNS. The clinical course and prognosis of the disease
are variable. Characteristically, the illness tends to progress in a
series of relapses and remissions. Over the years there is a tendency
for the patient to enter a phase of slow and steady deterioration of
neurologic function. In about 10%-20% of patients, the course of the
disease is not punctuated by a fluctuating course, but rather by an
inexorable progression from the onset. The pineal gland has been
implicated recently in the pathogenesis and clinical course of MS. Since
MS is generally a chronic progressive disorder, we predicted an
association between duration of illness and the activity of the pineal
gland. To investigate this hypothesis further, we studied nocturnal
plasma melatonin levels in relation to duration of illness in a cohort
of 32 MS patients (4 men, 28 women; mean age: 41.1 years; SD = 11.1;
mean duration of illness: 13.1 years; SD = 12.4) randomly selected from
consecutive hospital admissions to a Neurology service for exacerbation
of symptoms. For the purpose of comparison, we also studied in the
sample serum prolactin levels. The cohort included 7 patients in whom
the duration of illness since onset of first neurological symptoms was
< or = 5 years (mean: 3.0 years +/- 1.1) and a cohort of 25 patients
in whom the duration of illness was > 5 years (mean: 15.6 years +/-
12.7).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PMID: 8050864
85.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Apr;75(3-4):213-28.
Reversal of a visuoconstructional deficit in Parkinson’s disease by
application of external magnetic fields: a report of five cases.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Visuoperceptive and visuomotor deficits are among the most frequently
encountered abnormalities in neuropsychological testing of patients with
Parkinson’s disease, being present in up to 90% of cases. Clinically,
the presence of visuoperceptive and visuomotor impairment may not be
noted by Parkinsonian patients but may contribute to various functional
disabilities including difficulties operating a vehicle, ambulating, and
dressing. The present communication concerns five medicated
Parkinsonian patients who responded to extracranial treatment with
magnetic fields in the picotesia range intensity with improvement in
motor, behavioral, and autonomic functions as well as
visuoconstructional tasks as demonstrated on the Bicycle Drawing test.
Specifically, prior to treatment with magnetic fields these patients
failed to draw the spokes in the wheels of a bicycle that extended
completely to the periphery of the rim. I considered this observation to
reflect a specific visuoconstructional deficit inherent to the
Parkinsonian disease process. This visuoconstructional impairment was
reversed, however, by external applications of magnetic fields. The
report supports prior observations demonstrating that picotesla range
intensity magnetic fields may bring about reversal of specific cognitive
deficits in Parkinsonian patients.
PMID: 8050863
86.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Mar;75(1-2):65-71.
Paroxysmal itching in multiple sclerosis during treatment with external magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Paroxysmal attacks of itching constitute a rare sensory symptom of
multiple sclerosis (MS). It is generally thought that paroxysmal
itching, a form of subthreshold pain sensation, is caused by
transversely spreading ephaptic activation (i.e., activation via an
artificial synapse) of axons within a partially demyelinated lesion in
fiber tracts in the CNS, most commonly in the spinal cord. In MS,
attacks of paroxysmal itching have been reported to occur either as the
initial symptom of the disease or at the onset of an acute relapse. I
present two female MS patients aged 36 and 40 years in whom paroxysmal
itching was a prominent sensory symptom which occurred at the onset of
treatment with external picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) and
coincident with the process of neurologic recovery. This report suggests
that picoTesla range MF may cause activation of neuronal transmission
along partially demyelinated axons of pain conduction in the spinal
cord. The occurrence of rapid neurologic recovery with initiation of
treatment with MF supports the notion that impaired synaptic
conductivity rather than demyelination underlies some of the neurologic
deficits of MS.
PMID: 8050852
87.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Mar;75(1-2):91-102.
Successful treatment of respiratory dyskinesia with picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Derpapas K.
Abstract
Respiratory dyskinesia, a syndrome characterized by an irregular
respiratory rate, tachypnea, and grunting, is a serious complication of
chronic neuroleptic therapy. It frequently occurs in elderly women and
is commonly associated with clinical features of Tardive dyskinesia
(TD). Respiratory dyskinesia initially was considered to be a rare
complication of chronic neuroleptic treatment, but more recent reports
indicate that respiratory abnormalities are common in patients treated
with antipsychotic medications. The appropriate management of patients
with respiratory dyskinesia has not been determined as the underlying
pathophysiology is incompletely understood. We present a schizophrenic
patient on long term antipsychotic therapy who presented with
respiratory dyskinesia associated with symptoms of TD and tardive
Tourette’s syndrome which emerged coincident with an abrupt withdrawal
of neuroleptic therapy. In this patient, external application of
picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) produced rapid attenuation in the
severity of respiratory and motor dyskinesias. As the pineal gland is
considered a magnetosensor and since exposure of experimental animals
and humans to external MF alters melatonin secretion, we then propose
that the beneficial effects of MF involve the mediation of the pineal
gland which has been implicated previously in the pathophysiology of
drug-induced movement disorders including TD.
PMID: 7914186
88.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jan-Feb;74(1-4):95-103.
Pineal calcification and its relationship to the fatigue of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most common clinical features of multiple
sclerosis (MS) and is a frequent cause of disability. The pathogenesis
of fatigue remains obscure. It may result from impaired propagation of
action potentials in areas of demyelination. Other contributors may be
mental depression, immobility, and physical disability. The fatigue of
MS may be relieved by diverse pharmacological drugs such as amantadine
and pemoline, but the mechanisms by which these agents act to ameliorate
fatigue are unknown. Attention has been focused recently on the
relationship between MS and the pineal gland and evidence has been
presented to implicate the pineal gland and melatonin in the
pathogenesis of the disease. To investigate this relationship further,
we studied in 47 MS patients (mean age: 41.6 +/- 9.9 yrs; mean duration
of illness: 13.6 +/- 12.6 yrs) the association between fatigue and
incidence of pineal calcification (PC) on CT scan, which is thought to
reflect past secretory activity of the gland. For comparison, we also
evaluated the incidence of choroid plexus calcification (CPC) in these
patients. The sample included 20 patients who experienced ongoing,
debilitating fatigue during the course of the disease. 27 patients who
did not complain of fatigue served as controls. The two groups were not
distinguishable with respect to age, sex, age of onset, chronicity,
course (relapsing-remitting vs. chronic progressive), and severity of
the disease (ambulatory vs. immobile), as well as the incidence of
affective illness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PMID: 7928120
89.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jan-Feb;74(1-4):9-16.
Autonomic functions in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Awerbuch GI1, Sandyk R.
Abstract
Disturbances of autonomic nervous functions are common in patients with
Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may develop as a result of pathological
changes in centers of autonomic regulation such as the hypothalamus,
brainstem, and sympathetic ganglia. We examined cardiovascular reflexes
using bedside, noninvasive procedures in 20 unmedicated PD patients with
early stages of the disease (stage 1 and 2 on the Hoehn and Yahr’s
scale). Sixteen patients (80%) exhibited some degree of autonomic
nervous system dysfunction. These included predominantly cardiovascular
functions mediated via the parasympathetic system. Our findings
demonstrate: (a) a high prevalence of autonomic disturbances in early
stage PD, and (b) that dysregulation of parasympathetic cardiovascular
control mechanisms is a major feature of dysautonomia in early,
unmedicated PD patients.
PMID: 7928119
90.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jan-Feb;74(1-4):191-201.
Treatment of Parkinson’s disease with magnetic fields reduces the requirement for antiparkinsonian medications.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Recently, I reported that extracranial treatment with picoTesla range
magnetic fields (MF) is an effective, safe, and revolutionary modality
in the management of Parkinsonism including those patients manifesting
levodopa-induced motor complications. This treatment, which has emerged
as a potentially more advantageous modality than pharmacologic therapy,
also produces improvements in nonmotor aspects of the disease including
mood, cognitive functions, sleep, pain, appetite, autonomic functions,
and sexual behavior, which are usually minimally, if at all, ameliorated
by long term therapy with levodopa or anticholinergic agents. The
present communication concerns a 69 year old Parkinsonian patient who,
following a series of two treatments with extracranial picoTesla range
MF on two separate days, improved to the point where he was able to
discontinue most of his antiparkinsonian medications for a period of two
weeks without experiencing deterioration in symptoms. On the third week
he began to develop recurrence of symptoms and resumed taking his
regular medications. At the end of the fourth week the patient received a
series of four magnetic treatments on four successive days after he
completely discontinued his antiparkinsonian medications. During this
period he experienced a remarkable improvement in motor disability as
well as in cognitive functions (i.e., visuospatial performance), mood,
sleep, appetite, bowel functions and resolution of pain in the lower
extremity. This report attests to the antiparkinsonian efficacy of
picoTesla range MF and suggests that this treatment, when applied on a
regular basis, may reduce the requirement for antiparkinsonian
medications. This observation, when confirmed in a larger cohort of
patients, may carry important implications for the therapy of
Parkinsonism as it may offer an alternative treatment for patients who
develop levodopa failure or experience intolerable side effects from
dopaminergic medication. The observation that magnetic treatment
improved the patient’s symptoms while being off dopaminergic therapy
supports the role of nondopaminergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology
of Parkinsonism.
PMID: 7928105
91.
Int J Neurosci. 1994 Jan-Feb;74(1-4):177-89.
Multiple sclerosis: improvement of visuoperceptive functions by picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
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.
PMID: 7928104
92.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Dec;73(3-4):207-19.
The effects of picoTesla range magnetic fields on perceptual organization and visual memory in parkinsonism.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Drawing tasks, both free and copied, have achieved a central position
in the neuropsychological evaluation of constructional abilities in
brain injured patients. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test was
devised in early 1940s as a tool to investigate perceptual organization
and visual memory. The Bicycle Drawing Test is used as a measure of
mechanical reasoning as well as visuographic functioning. Recent reports
have demonstrated that extracranial treatment with magnetic fields (MF)
in the picoTesla range improves constructional abilities including
visuoperceptive functions in Parkinsonian patients. To evaluate further
the effects of these extremely weak MF on cognitive functions in
Parkinsonism, I investigated in a 69 year old fully medicated
Parkinsonian patient the influence of a single, extracranial application
of MF on the patient’s performance on the Complex Figure (copy and
recall) as well as the Bicycle Drawing Test. Results of the trial showed
that a 30 minute application of MF produced a dramatic improvement in
the patient’s ability to copy and recall the Complex Figure. This
treatment was also associated with a marked improvement in the
performance of bicycle drawing with reversal of the Parkinsonian
micrographia. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that this
treatment modality may reverse some of the cognitive impairments
associated with Parkinsonism which usually are not improved by treatment
with dopaminergic or anticholinergic medications.
PMID: 8169056
93.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Nov;73(1-2):93-107.
Reversal of visual neglect in Parkinson’s disease by treatment with picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
Abstract
Visual neglect and impairment in perceptual motor or visuospatial tasks
are among the most frequently encountered abnormalities in
neuropsychological testing of patients with Parkinson’s disease, being
present in up to 90% of patients. It has been proposed that neglect
reflects an attentional-arousal deficit induced by lesions that
interrupt a cortical-limbic-reticular loop. Recently, we have reported
that application of extracranial magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla
range was efficacious in reducing the severity of the motor disability
of Parkinsonism as well as improving some of the cognitive abnormalities
associated with the disease such as visuoperceptive deficits. We now
present a 61 year old fully medicated Parkinsonian patient in whom rapid
reversal of left visual neglect as well as improvement in
visuoconstructional (drawing) performance was noted immediately after a
single external application of MF. We propose that this effect was
related to enhancement of directed attention through a mechanism
involving an interaction between the pineal gland, which is considered a
“magnetosensor,” and the reticular formation which mediates arousal and
attention. This report demonstrates the efficacy of extremely weak MF
in reversing some of the cognitive abnormalities in Parkinsonism,
notably neglect and visuoperceptive deficits, which contribute
significantly to impairment of the patient’s daily living activities.
PMID: 8132423
94.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Oct;72(3-4):141-8.
Demyelination as an epiphenomenon in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R.
Comment on
The pineal gland and multiple sclerosis. [Int J Neurosci. 1992]
PMID: 8138370
95.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Sep;72(1-2):95-106.
Multiple sclerosis: the role of the pineal gland in its timing of onset and risk of psychiatric illness.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
The incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is age-dependent being rare
prior to age 10, unusual prior to age 15, with a peak in the mid 20s. It
has been suggested, therefore, that the clinical manifestation of MS is
dependent upon having passed the pubertal period. Since pineal
melatonin secretion declines from childhood to puberty and as melatonin
is an immunomodulator, we have proposed that the dramatic decline in
melatonin secretion just prior to the onset of the physical
manifestations of puberty may disrupt immune responses resulting in
either reactivation of the infective agent or in an increased
susceptibility to post-pubertal infection. The fall in melatonin
secretion during pre-puberty may also increase the susceptibility of
these patients to affective disorder which is associated with lower
melatonin secretion and the presence of a phase-advance of their
biological rhythms. We predicted, therefore, a higher incidence of
affective disorder in patients with pubertal or post-pubertal onset of
MS compared to those in whom the disease manifested later. To test this
hypothesis, we studied the incidence of affective disorder in relation
to age of onset of first neurological symptoms in 31 MS patients, 6 of
whom manifested symptoms of MS prior to age 18 (mean = 16.8 years). All
patients with pubertal onset MS and only 48% of the control group had an
affective disorder. The pubertal onset patients also had a
significantly lower nocturnal melatonin levels and a lower incidence of
pineal calcification on CT scan. These findings thus support the
hypothesis implicating the pineal gland in the timing of onset of MS and
in the risk for the development of affective disorder.
PMID: 8225803
96.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):93-9.
Vitamin B12 and its relationship to age of onset of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Attention has been focused recently on the association between vitamin
B12 metabolism and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Several
recent reports have documented vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with
MS. The etiology of this deficiency in MS is unknown. The majority of
these patients do not have pernicious anemia and serum levels of the
vitamin are unrelated to the course or chronicity of the disease.
Moreover, vitamin B12 does not reverse the associated macrocytic anemia
nor are the neurological deficits of MS improved following
supplementation with vitamin B12. It has been suggested that vitamin B12
deficiency may render the patient more vulnerable to the putative viral
and/or immunologic mechanisms widely suspected in MS. In the present
communication, we report that serum vitamin B12 levels in MS patients
are related to the age of onset of the disease. Specifically, we found
in 45 MS patients that vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in
those who experienced the onset of first neurological symptoms prior to
age 18 years (N = 10) compared to patients in whom the disease first
manifested after age 18 (N = 35). In contrast, serum folate levels were
unrelated to age of onset of the disease. As vitamin B12 levels were
statistically unrelated to chronicity of illness, these findings suggest
a specific association between the timing of onset of first
neurological symptoms of MS and vitamin B12 metabolism. In addition,
since vitamin B12 is required for the formation of myelin and for immune
mechanisms, we propose that its deficiency in MS is of critical
pathogenetic significance.
PMID: 8407160
97.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):9-19.
Late-onset schizophrenia: relationship to awareness of abnormal involuntary movements and tobacco addiction.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Although schizophrenia usually emerges at mid to late-adolescence, it
has been estimated that almost 20% of schizophrenic patients develop
their first symptoms in mid to late life (late-onset schizophrenia). The
biological characteristics that distinguish patients with early onset
from those with late-onset schizophrenia have not been well delineated. A
subgroup of neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients develops tardive
dyskinesia (TD) and the majority of these patients are unaware of their
movements. To investigate whether early and late-onset schizophrenic
patients with TD could be differentiated on the basis of awareness of
involuntary movements, we compared the prevalence of awareness of these
abnormal movements in patients with early (N = 40) and late-onset (N =
15) schizophrenia. We found a significantly higher prevalence of
awareness of involuntary movements in patients with late-onset
schizophrenia as compared to those with an earlier age of onset (86.6%
vs. 25.0%, p < .0001). In a second study, we investigated whether
early and late-onset schizophrenia could be differentiated on the basis
of dopamine functions in the mesolimbic system. Since tobacco addiction
is mediated via limbic dopaminergic functions, we investigated the
prevalence of tobacco addiction in patients with early (N = 51) and
late-onset (N = 13) schizophrenia. We found a significantly lower
prevalence of tobacco addiction in patients with late-onset
schizophrenia as compared to those with an earlier age of onset (15.4%
vs. 54.9%; X2 = 6.49; p < .01). Our findings support the notion that
distinct pathophysiological mechanisms underlie the development of early
and late-onset schizophrenia.
PMID: 8407159
98.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):87-92.
Choroid plexus calcification as a possible marker of hallucinations in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Several studies suggest that disturbances of serotonin (5-HT) functions
may be involved in the pathophysiology of hallucinations in
schizophrenia. It is now well established that the choroid plexus (CP)
is innervated by serotonin (5-HT) neurons, which may regulate its
activity, and it is possible that decreased 5-HT functions may
facilitate the process of its calcification. It is thus conceivable that
calcification of the CP may be associated with hallucinations in
schizophrenia. I studied in 18 chronic schizophrenic patients the
association of CP calcification (CPC) size as ascertained from CT scan,
to severity of hallucinations and, for comparison, to four other
positive symptoms as well as global psychopathology score. Analysis of
variance indicated that CPC size was specifically associated with
hallucinations (p < .001) and none of the other psychopathology
measures. These findings reveal a relationship between CPC and
hallucinations in schizophrenia and suggest that the former may be a
neuroradiological marker of hallucinations in the disease.
PMID: 8407158
99.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):173-82.
Nocturnal melatonin secretion in suicidal patients with multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by the occurrence of patchy
CNS demyelinating lesions, leading to various degrees of motor, sensory,
affective, and cognitive deficits. MS is associated also with an
increased risk of suicide accounting for a substantial rate of death
among these patients. Post-mortem studies in suicide victims with
various psychiatric disorders demonstrate a decreased concentration of
serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolites in the brain. Since 5-HT is a
precursor in the synthesis of melatonin and as pineal melatonin content
was found to be low in suicide victims, we predicted lower melatonin
secretion in suicidal versus non-suicidal MS patients during an acute
exacerbation of symptoms. To test this hypothesis, we investigated
nocturnal plasma melatonin levels in a cohort of 28 relapsing patients
who were admitted consecutively to an inpatient Neurology service, 6 of
whom had a history of suicide attempts and were having suicidal ideation
at the time of admission. While both cohorts of patients were not
distinguishable on any of the demographic data including use of
psychotrophic drugs on the day of admission to hospital, the mean
melatonin level in the suicidal group was significantly lower than in
the control group (19.0 pg/ml +/- 11.9 versus 45.5 pg/ml +/- 27.1; p
< .05). These findings support the prediction of the study
implicating the pineal gland in the pathogenesis of suicidality in MS
and reinforce the concept that a biological rather than a reactive
etiology underlies the development of psychiatric symptoms in MS.
PMID: 8407143
100.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):147-57.
Multiple sclerosis: relationship between seasonal variations of relapse and age of onset.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
The incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is age-dependent being rare
prior to age 10, unusual prior to age 15, with a peak in the mid 20s.
The manifestation of MS, therefore, appears to be dependent upon having
passed through the pubertal period suggesting an endocrine influence on
the timing of onset of the disease. Since pineal melatonin secretion
progressively declines from childhood to puberty and as melatonin exerts
an immunomodulating influence, we have proposed that the dramatic
decline in melatonin secretion just prior to the onset of the clinical
manifestations of puberty may lead to disruption of immune responses
resulting in either reactivation of the infective agent or in an
increased susceptibility to pubertal or post-pubertal infection.
Melatonin secretion undergoes annual rhythms with a zenith in winter and
declines to a nadir in the spring. Thus, the fall in melatonin
secretion in the spring may account for epidemiological findings
revealing a high incidence of relapse of MS in the spring. If the
manifestations of MS are related to the fall in melatonin secretion in
the post-pubertal period, then one would expect patients with a pubertal
onset of the disease to have a higher incidence of relapses in spring
than in winter. To test this hypothesis, we investigated in 51 patients
the relationship between the seasonal occurrence of the last MS relapse
with the age of onset of first manifestation of MS. While 9 of 22
patients (40.9%) who relapsed in spring (March-May) had the onset of MS
prior to age 18, only 2 of 29 patients (6.9%) who relapsed in winter
(November-February) experienced the onset of first symptoms prior to the
age of 18 years (p < .005). These findings thus support the
hypothesis implicating the pineal gland and melatonin secretion in the
timing of onset of MS. Moreover, the findings may have clinical
implications with respect to the prophylaxis of MS relapse in patients
who experience seasonally-dependent exacerbation of symptoms.
PMID: 8407141
101.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):135-46.
Amphetamine-induced rotational behavior in rats: relationship to hypothalamic and striatal degeneration.
Willis GL1, Sandyk R.
Abstract
When lesions are placed unilaterally in the nigrostriatal system of
experimental animals, rotational behavior occurs in response to
peripheral administration of dopamine (DA) agonists. In spite of
considerable evidence to the contrary, it is assumed that in order for
this rotation to occur, an almost complete depletion of striatal DA must
be achieved. To test this hypothesis further, 20 male Sprague-Dawley
rats were injected unilaterally with 2 microL of 8 micrograms/microL of
6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) via acute injection needles or chronically
indwelling cannulae. Acute injection of 6-OHDA resulted in a rotation
rate of 7.2 to 18.9 revolutions per minute in response to peripheral
amphetamine injection (5 mg/Kg) while injection of 6-OHDA through
chronically indwelling cannulae produced rotation ranging from 1.4 to
9.9 rotations per minute. Under the conditions of either method of
injection, the animals displaying the most severe rotation still showed
partial denervation of striatal DA as revealed by catecholamine
fluorescence histochemistry. Conversely, numerous animals demonstrating
very low rates of amphetamine-induced rotation often displayed a
complete loss of striatal, accumbens, and olfactory tubercle
catecholamine fluorescence. Moreover, large quantities of lateral
hypothalamic amine accumulation were observed in rotating rats
indicating that this neurochemical change may be of functional
significance for rotational responses. The present results, when taken
into consideration with previous work, indicate that the routine
selection of rotating animals for pharmacological testing for potential
antiParkinsonian medication or intracerebral grafting purely on the
basis of their rotational behavior does not necessarily imply that
complete striatal denervation has occurred. Moreover, these findings
demonstrate that amine accumulation in the lateral hypothalamus of
rotating animals with DA depleting lesions is an important phenomenon
implicated in the expression of rotational behavior in animals and
possibly in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.
PMID: 8407140
102.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(1-4):1-7.
Psychotic behavior associated with cerebellar pathology.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
This report concerns a 27-year-old man in whom psychotic behavior
emerged in association with a cerebellar tumor. This presentation
supports previous clinical observations which postulate an intimate
relationship between cerebellar pathology and the development of
schizophrenia.
PMID: 8407138
Select item 8063544
103.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jun;70(3-4):255-69.
Resolution of longstanding symptoms of multiple sclerosis by application of picoTesla range magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
Abstract
Recent clinical reports have suggested that treatment with extremely
weak magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla range is an efficacious
modality for the symptomatic therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis
(MS) during the remission and exacerbation periods of the disease. The
present communication concerns a 64 year old woman with a 22 year
history of MS of the chronic-progressive type who presented with a
longstanding history of ataxia of gait, weakness in the legs,
difficulties with swallowing, loss of bladder control, blurred vision,
diplopia, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment. In this patient two
30 minute treatments with MF on two separate days resulted in a
dramatic improvement of symptoms. Specifically, the patient experienced
marked improvement in balance and gait as well as increased strength in
the legs to the extent that she was able to abandon the use of a walker
within 48 hours after initiation of magnetic treatment. In addition,
there was complete resolution of diplopia, bladder dysfunction, and
fatigue with improvement in mood and cognitive functions. The report
attests to the unique efficacy of extremely weak MF in the symptomatic
treatment of patients with MS including those patients with a chronic
progressive course of the disease and supports the hypothesis that
dysfunction of synaptic conductivity due to neurotransmitter deficiency
specifically of serotonin rather than demyelination underlies the
neurologic deficits of the disease.
PMID: 8063544
104.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jun;70(3-4):233-54.
Rapid improvement of visuoperceptive functions by picoTesla range magnetic fields in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1, Iacono RP.
Abstract
Impairment in perceptual motor or visuospatial tasks is among the most
frequently encountered abnormality in neuropsychological testing of
patients with Parkinson’s disease, being present in up to 90% of cases.
Visuoperceptive deficits can result from cortical and subcortical
lesions involving the right hemisphere, thalamus, and basal ganglia and
are thought to reflect a defect in attentional-arousal mechanisms
induced by lesions that interrupt a cortical-limbic-reticular activating
loop. Clinically, the presence of visuoperceptive impairment may not be
noted by Parkinsonian patients but may contribute to various
disabilities including difficulty driving a vehicle and difficulties
performing daily tasks which require intact visuospatial abilities
(i.e., walking, dressing, drawing and copying designs). The present
communication concerns two fully medicated Parkinsonian patients who
responded to extracranial treatment with picoTesla range magnetic fields
(MF), behaviorally and also demonstrated rapidly and dramatically
enhanced visuoperceptive functions as demonstrated on various drawing
tasks. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of extremely weak MF in
enhancing cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
PMID: 8063543
105.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jun;70(3-4):193-7.
Cigarette smoking: effects on cognitive functions and drug-induced parkinsonism in chronic schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest an apparent protective effect of
cigarette smoking on the risk of Parkinson’s disease. There is also a
report suggesting that patients with Parkinson’s disease who smoke are
less likely to develop dementia. I investigated the relationship of
smoking to the severity of cognitive functions and presence of
drug-induced parkinsonism in a group of 111 neuroleptic-treated chronic
institutionalized schizophrenic patients. Patients who smoked had
significantly less cognitive impairment (p < .02) and a lower
prevalence of drug-induced Parkinsonism (p < .02) compared to
nonsmokers. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking may protect
against the development of dementia and drug-induced Parkinsonism in
schizophrenia.
PMID: 8063538
106.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 May;70(1-2):97-105.
Successful treatment of an acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis by external magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Derpapas.
Abstract
A 55 year old woman with multiple sclerosis presented with a 5 week
history of an exacerbation of symptoms. Prominent among these symptoms
was trigeminal neuralgia, migraine headaches, blurring of vision, and
ataxia of gait. While treatment with carbamazepine (TegretolR) (800
mg/d) and oral prednisolone (15 mg/d) over a 4 week period produced no
improvement in symptoms, externally applied magnetic fields (MF) (7.5
picoTesla; 5 Hz) placed over the scalp for a 7 minute period on three
different days resulted in a complete resolution of symptoms within two
weeks of initiation of treatment. Partial relief of the neuralgic pain
and headaches was obtained immediately after completion of the first
treatment indicating that resolution of symptoms was related to the
effects of MF and not to a spontaneous remission. This is the first
report demonstrating the clinical efficacy of pico Tesla range MF in
rapidly resolving an acute relapse of MS.
PMID: 8083029
107.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 May;70(1-2):85-96.
The effects of external picoTesla range magnetic fields on the EEG in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1, Derpapas K.
Abstract
We report a 68 year old man with a 7 year history of Parkinson’s
disease (PD) who obtained little benefit from treatment by dopaminergic
and anticholinergic agents. During the six months prior to presentation,
he experienced more rapid deterioration in symptoms including memory
functions, increasing depression, and dystonia of the foot. External
application of picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) resulted in rapid
attenuation of tremor and foot dystonia with improvements in gait,
postural reflexes, mood, anxiety, cognitive, and autonomic functions.
Plasma prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rose three days
after initiation of treatment. In addition, distinct
electroencephalographic (EEG) changes were recorded nine days after two
treatments with MF and included enhancement of alpha and beta activities
as well as resolution of the theta activity. These findings
demonstrate, for the first time, objective EEG changes in response to
picoTesla range MF in PD. Since the pineal gland is a magnetosensor and
as some of the clinical effects produced by MF such as relaxation,
sleepiness, mood elevation, increased dreaming, and enhancement of alpha
and beta activities in the EEG have also been noted in healthy subjects
administered melatonin, we propose that the clinical effects as well as
the EEG changes noted after treatment with MF were mediated by the
pineal gland which previously has been implicated in the pathophysiology
of PD.
PMID: 8083028
108.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 May;70(1-2):69-74.
Delusional depression in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
A 72 year-old female patient is presented in whom delusional
depression, a possible distinct subtype of depressive illness
characterized by a selective decrease of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
norepinephrine (NE) metabolism, preceded the onset of Parkinsonism by
several years. The report suggests that delusional depression may be a
particular manifestation of depressive illness in Parkinsonian patients.
In addition, since the activity of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) is genetically determined, the
co-occurrence of delusional depression and Parkinsonism in this patient
may be related to a common underlying genetic defect that expresses
itself biochemically by reduced cerebral NE metabolism.
PMID: 8083026
109.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 May;70(1-2):65-7.
Positive symptoms and chronicity of illness in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
I have proposed recently that the positive symptoms of schizophrenia
such as hallucinations and delusions reflect a compensatory mechanism to
overcome the dopaminergic deficiency which underlies the core pathology
of the disease, namely the negative syndrome. In such case it is
possible, in analogy with Parkinson’s disease, that these compensatory
mechanisms will diminish with progression of the disease. Thus, one
would expect the severity of positive symptoms in schizophrenia to
decline with progression of the disease. To test this hypothesis, I
studied in 20 chronic schizophrenic patients the association between
positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions) with chronicity of
illness. I found a significant inverse correlation between chronicity of
illness and severity of delusions (r = -.51, p < .05) and
hallucinations (r = -.47, p < 0.05). In contrast, chronicity of
illness was unrelated to negative symptoms (blunted affect and emotional
withdrawal). These data support the prediction that the compensatory
ability of the brain to increase dopamine functions may diminish with
progression of the disease and are in accord with the clinical
impression that with time schizophrenic patients tend to display a more
negative syndrome profile and become “burnt out schizophrenics.”
PMID: 8083025
110.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Mar-Apr;69(1-4):167-83.
Further observations on the unique efficacy of picoTesla range magnetic fields in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1, Derpapas K.
Abstract
External application of picoTesla range magnetic fields (MF) has been
reported recently to be efficacious in the treatment of patients with
Parkinson’s disease (PD) including those who manifest levodopa-related
dyskinesias. In the present communication, we present four additional
Parkinsonian patients who showed, within a brief period of time, marked
improvement in motor symptoms after therapy with MF. Three of the
patients had been maintained on antiParkinsonian medication during
treatment with MF while the fourth patient had never received
pharmacotherapy. Improvement with magnetic therapy was noted not only in
the motor sphere (resting tremor, gait apraxia, postural instability),
but also in nonmotor aspects of the disease including mood, sleep, pain,
anorexia, autonomic, and cognitive functions attesting to the unique
efficacy of external picoTesla range MF in the treatment of
Parkinsonism. Poverty of facial expression (hypomimia, “masked facies”),
which correlates with the degree of striatal dopaminergic deficiency,
is one of the clinical hallmarks of PD reflecting the severity of
hypokinesia and rigidity in the orofacial musculature. In this report,
we emphasize the effects of MF on the hypomimia of PD and provide visual
documentation illustrating the changes in the patients’ facial
expression which follow treatment with MF.
PMID: 8083004
111.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Mar-Apr;69(1-4):125-30.
The relationship between diabetes mellitus and Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
It has been reported that 50% to 80% of patients with Parkinson’s
disease have abnormal glucose tolerance which may be further exacerbated
by levodopa therapy. Little is known about the impact of chronic
hyperglycemia on the severity of the motor manifestations and the course
of the disease as well as its impact on the efficacy of levodopa or
other dopaminergic drugs. This issue, which has been largely ignored, is
of clinical relevance since animal studies indicate that chronic
hyperglycemia decreases striatal dopaminergic transmission and increases
the sensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors. In addition,
evidence from experimental animal studies indicates that diabetic rats
are resistant to the locomotor and behavioral effects of the dopamine
agonist amphetamine. The resistance to the central effects of
amphetamine is largely restored with chronic insulin therapy. In the
present communication, I propose that in Parkinson’s disease diabetes
may exacerbate the severity of the motor disability and attenuate the
therapeutic efficacy of levodopa or other dopaminergic agents as well as
increase the risk of levodopa-induced motor dyskinesias. Thus, it is
advocated that Parkinsonian patients should be routinely screened for
evidence of glucose intolerance and that if found aggressive treatment
of the hyperglycemia may improve the response to levodopa and
potentially diminish the risk of levodopa-induced motor dyskinesias.
PMID: 8082998
112.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Mar-Apr;69(1-4):119-24.
Third ventricular width and its relationship to mode of onset of schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The mode of onset of schizophrenia (i.e., insidious versus acute) may
be of neurobiologic and prognostic significance. Schizophrenic symptoms
which appear acutely are believed to signify a more benign developmental
course and a more favorable outcome of illness than symptoms which
emerge insidiously. Since third ventricular enlargement may be a
neuroradiological marker of negative schizophrenia, a subgroup of
schizophrenia which is associated with poor premorbid adjustment and
prognosis, I predict that it will be associated also with an insidious
development of disease. To empirically test this hypothesis, I
investigated in 22 institutionalized chronic schizophrenic patients (20
men, 2 women; mean age = 31.9 years, SD = 7.1), the association between
the mode of onset of schizophrenia and third ventricular width (TVW) on
CT scan. In the sample, 15 patients (68.2%) experienced an insidious
onset of schizophrenia while 7 patients had a more sudden onset. The two
cohorts did not differ significantly on any of the demographic,
historic, cognitive, psychopathological, and treatment variables
surveyed with the exception of duration of formal education which was
significantly shorter in patients with an insidious onset of illness.
However, patients with an insidious onset had a significantly greater
TVW as compared to those with a sudden onset (M = 7.7 +/- 3.0 mm vs. 4.6
+/- 3.6 mm, p < .05, two-tailed). These findings demonstrate an
association between the mode of onset of schizophrenia and TVW on CT
scan and suggest that an insult to peri-third ventricular structures,
which may underlie third ventricular enlargement, is associated with an
insidious development of schizophrenia.
PMID: 8082997
113.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Mar-Apr;69(1-4):35-51.
Biological determinants and risk factors for tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Tardive dyskinesia (TD), a neurological side effect of chronic
neuroleptic treatment, develops in 20%-30% of psychiatric patients. The
biological characteristics that distinguish schizophrenic patients who
develop TD from those who fail to develop TD during neuroleptic
treatment are currently the subject of intense research. The aim of the
present report is to present biological characteristics and risk factors
of schizophrenic patients with TD. The findings of the study
demonstrate that: (1) the timing of onset of schizophrenia is a
biological determinant for the development of severe TD. (2) the mode of
onset of schizophrenia and specifically, an insidious onset is a
biological risk factor of TD. (3) belligerent behavior may be a risk
factor for TD. (4) postmenopausal schizophrenic patients are at
increased risk for TD.
PMID: 7916008
114.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Mar-Apr;69(1-4):1-20.
Subjective awareness of abnormal involuntary movements in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
A wide majority of schizophrenic patients with Tardive dyskinesia, a
neurological disorder produced by chronic neuroleptic therapy, lack
awareness of their involuntary movements. This by contrast to patients
with Parkinsonism who usually are aware of their abnormal movements. In
the following communication we present a series of studies which are
aimed at providing further insight into the issue of awareness of
involuntary movements in schizophrenic patients with tardive dyskinesia.
In addition, we investigated whether edentulosness, which may be a risk
factor for orofacial dyskinesias in the elderly, is also a risk factor
for neuroleptic-induced orofacial dyskinesias. We found that: (a) one’s
awareness of involuntary movements is related to some but not all muscle
groups, (b) tardive dyskinesia may be associated with a significant
distress, (c) lack of awareness may be a feature of frontal lobe
dysfunction in schizophrenia, (d) patients who lack awareness of their
involuntary movements have a higher prevalence of pineal calcification,
and (e) edentulosness, which is related to deficits in the orofacial
sensorimotor system, increases the risk for neuroleptic-induced
orofacial dyskinesias.
PMID: 7916006
115.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Feb;68(3-4):241-53.
Magnetic fields normalize visual evoked potentials and brainstem auditory evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Derpapas K.
Abstract
The present communication concerns a 46 year old woman with a 10 year
history of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in whom external
application of magnetic fields (MF) (7.5 picoTesla; 5 Hz) during a
period of remission resulted in a rapid and dramatic improvement in
symptoms including vision, cerebellar symptomatology (ataxia and
dysarthria), mood, sleep, bowel and bladder functions as well as
fatigue. Improvement in the patient’s symptoms was associated with
normalization of the pretreatment latencies of the visual evoked
potentials and brainstem auditory evoked potential responses within a
week after initiation of magnetic treatment. This report demonstrates
that treatment with picoTesla MF is an effective, nonpharmacological
modality in the management of MS and for the first time documents
reversal of abnormal evoked potential responses by this treatment. The
pineal gland is a magnetosensor. As MF affect the release of the pineal
gland’s principal hormone, melatonin, it is hypothesized that the
effects of picoTesla MF in MS are partly mediated by the pineal gland
which has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of MS (Sandyk,
1992 a; b).
PMID: 8063529
116.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Feb;68(3-4):227-40.
Nocturnal melatonin secretion in multiple sclerosis patients with affective disorders.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
The pineal gland has been implicated recently in the pathogenesis of
multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic demyelinating disease of CNS. Since
nocturnal melatonin secretion is low in some groups of patients with
mental depression, we predicted lower melatonin secretion in MS patients
with history of affective illness compared to those without psychiatric
disorders. To test this hypothesis, we studied single nocturnal plasma
melatonin levels and the incidence of pineal calcification (PC) on CT
scan in a cohort of 25 MS patients (4 men, 21 women; mean age = 39.4
years, SD = 9.3), 15 of whom had a history of coexisting psychiatric
disorders with predominant affective symptomatology. Other factors that
may be related to depression such as vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc,
magnesium, and homocysteine, were also included in the analysis. Neither
any of the metabolic factors surveyed nor the incidence of PC
distinguished the psychiatric from the control group. However, the mean
melatonin level in the psychiatric patients was significantly lower than
in the control group. Since low melatonin secretion in patients with
depression may be related to a phase-advance of the circadian oscillator
regulating the offset of melatonin secretion, we propose that the
depression of MS likewise may reflect the presence of dampened circadian
oscillators. Furthermore, since exacerbation of motor symptoms in MS
patients may be temporally related to worsening of depression, we
propose that circadian phase lability may also underlie the
relapsing-remitting course of the disease. Consequently, pharmacological
agents such as lithium or bright light therapy, which have been shown
to phase-delay circadian rhythms, might be effective in the treatment of
affective symptoms in MS as well as preventing motor exacerbation and
hastening a remission from an acute attack.
PMID: 8063528
117.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Feb;68(3-4):209-25.
Multiple sclerosis: the role of puberty and the pineal gland in its pathogenesis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Epidemiological studies demonstrate that the incidence of multiple
sclerosis (MS) is age-dependent being rare prior to age 10, unusual
prior to age 15, with a peak in the mid 20s. It has been suggested that
the manifestation of MS is dependent upon having passed through the
pubertal period. In the present communication, I propose that critical
changes in pineal melatonin secretion, which occur in temporal
relationship to the onset of puberty, are intimately related to the
timing of onset of the clinical manifestations of MS. Specifically, it
is suggested that the fall in melatonin secretion during the prepubertal
period, which may disrupt pineal-mediated immunomodulation, may
stimulate either the reactivation of the infective agent or increase the
susceptibility to infection during the pubertal period. Similarly, the
rapid fall in melatonin secretion just prior to delivery may account for
the frequent occurrence of relapse in MS patients during the postpartum
period. In contrast, pregnancy, which is associated with high melatonin
concentrations, is often accompanied by remission of symptoms. Thus,
the presence of high melatonin levels may provide a protective effect,
while a decline in melatonin secretion may increase the risk for the
development and exacerbation of the disease. The melatonin hypothesis of
MS may explain other epidemiological and clinical phenomena associated
with the disease such as the low incidence of MS in the black African
and American populations, the inverse correlation with sun light and
geomagnetic field exposure, the occurrence of relapses in relation to
seasonal changes and fluctuations in mood, and the association of MS
with affective illness and malignant disease. Therapeutically, this
hypothesis implies that application of bright light therapy or the use
of other major synchronizers of circadian rhythms such as sleep
deprivation or application of external weak magnetic fields may be
beneficial in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of relapses in the
disease.
PMID: 8063527
118.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jan;68(1-2):85-91.
Weak magnetic fields antagonize the effects of melatonin on blood glucose levels in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Treatment with picoTesla magnetic fields recently has been reported to
attenuate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The mechanisms by which
weak magnetic fields ameliorate Parkinsonian symptoms are unknown. There
is evidence that the pineal gland is a “magnetosensor” in the brain
since in experimental animals exposure to external magnetic fields
alters the firing rate of pineal cells and induces inhibition of
melatonin secretion. Hence, the clinical effects of weak magnetic fields
in PD likewise may involve the mediation of the pineal gland. Animal
data indicate that the pineal gland is involved in the regulation of
glucose metabolism and that exogenous administration of melatonin
induces an hyperglycemic effect. To investigate the hypothesis that the
pineal gland mediates the therapeutic properties of weak magnetic fields
in PD, I studied the effects of orally administered melatonin (3.0 mg)
followed by a 6 minute application of low intensity external weak
magnetic fields (7.5 picoTesla) on blood glucose levels in two
Parkinsonian patients. In both patients melatonin challenge produced a
moderate hyperglycemic effect which was reversed by subsequent
stimulation with weak magnetic fields. These findings support the
hypothesis that weak magnetic fields inhibit melatonin secretion and
that the antiParkinsonian properties of weak magnetic fields are
mediated partially via the inhibition of melatonin secretion.
Furthermore, these data suggest that melatonin receptor antagonists
could be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment in PD and highlight the
importance of the pineal-hypothalamic axis in the pathophysiology of the
disease as well as in the mechanisms of action of antiParkinsonian
drugs.
PMID: 8063518
119.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jan;68(1-2):67-71.
Vitamin C in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kanofsky JD.
Abstract
This report concerns a 37-year-old chronic schizophrenic patient who
derived substantial benefit from the addition of ascorbic acid (vitamin
C) to his neuroleptic treatment. The case highlights the potential
usefulness of vitamin C as an adjunctive agent in the treatment of
chronic schizophrenia.
PMID: 8063516
120.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jan;68(1-2):53-9.
The relationship of thought disorder to third ventricle width and calcification of the pineal gland in chronic schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Since the early writings of Bleuler in 1908, it has been recognized
that schizophrenia is a heterogenous disorder with diversity in
symptomatology, course, prognosis, and probably etiology. Over the past
50 years, considerable research has been devoted to the prognosis of
schizophrenia and despite variability among findings, certain historical
and clinical predictors have been established. A recent study
undertaken in 58 DSM-III diagnosed schizophrenic inpatients found that
of the various clinical clusters assessed prospectively, thought
disorder stood out as the single most salient predictor of poor outcome
(Kay & Murrill, 1990). In the present study I have investigated the
relationship of thought disorder to CT scan measures of third ventricle
width (TVW), prefrontal cortical atrophy, and cortical atrophy in 14
chronic schizophrenic patients. In addition, I have studied the
relationship of thought disorder to pineal calcification (PC) and
choroid plexus (CP) sizes in 20 chronic schizophrenic patients. TVW and
PC size were the only neuroradiological measures found to be associated
with the degree of thought disorder. These findings suggest that both
diencephalic damage and calcification of the pineal gland may be related
to disorganized thinking in schizophrenia and, by inference, to an
unfavorable prognosis.
PMID: 8063514
121.
Int J Neurosci. 1993 Jan;68(1-2):1-10.
Aggressive behavior in schizophrenia: relationship to age of onset and cortical atrophy.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is a common feature of schizophrenia and is
associated with the presence of ‘soft’ neurological signs. Since early
age of onset of schizophrenia has been found to be associated with the
negative syndrome, which according to Crow (1982) is related to
structural brain abnormalities, I predicted that early age of onset may
be a biological risk factor for aggressive behavior in the disease. To
test this hypothesis, I investigated in 52 chronic institutionalized
schizophrenic patients (mean age = 32.8 years; SD = 8.0), the
association between age of onset of the disease and the severity of
belligerent behavior. The age of onset was judged from the patient’s
histories as the age at which florid symptoms first emerged. Patients
with early onset schizophrenia had a significantly higher belligerent
score compared to those with later-onset schizophrenia (p < .05).
These findings support the hypothesis of an association between early
age of onset of schizophrenia and the risk of aggressive behavior and
suggest, furthermore, that schizophrenic symptoms which emerge early may
predict a higher risk of aggressive behavior. Furthermore, this study
suggest that the neurochemical mechanisms which underlie the early
emergence of symptoms may also predispose to aggressive behavior in
schizophrenia. Specifically, since aggressive behavior has been linked
to impairment of serotonergic (5-HT) functions, I propose that the
timing of onset of schizophrenia may be partly associated with
dysregulation of the 5-HT system. In a second study, I investigated
whether schizophrenic patients with aggressive (suicide) behavior are
characterized by more extensive brain damage and hence greater degree of
cerebral atrophy on CT scan. The study, which involved 26 schizophrenic
patients (mean age: 31.3 years; SD = 6.8), revealed that patients with
aggressive behavior had a significantly greater degree of
parieto-occipital atrophy on CT scan (p < .05). In contrast,
ventricular size and prefrontal cortical atrophy did not distinguish
aggressive from nonaggressive patients. These findings suggest that
cortical atrophy may be a neuroradiological marker of aggressive
behavior in schizophrenia.
PMID: 8063505
122.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Nov-Dec;67(1-4):9-17.
The pineal gland and the mode of onset of schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that abnormal melatonin functions may be
implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Since there is
evidence that the presence of pineal calcification (PC) may relate,
among other factors, to disturbances in melatonin secretion, I
investigated in 23 chronic institutionalized schizophrenic patients the
relationship of PC size on CT scan to the mode of onset of schizophrenia
which carries both developmental and prognostic significance. Patients
with gradual onset schizophrenia had PC size that was significantly
larger than those with sudden onset (8.94 +/- 3.96 mm vs. 4.80 +/- 1.75
mm p < .025). These findings suggest that the nature of onset of
schizophrenia may be influenced by the activity of the pineal gland,
which may exert a role in the development and prognosis of the illness.
PMID: 1305641
123.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Nov-Dec;67(1-4):19-30.
Pineal and habenula calcification in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Animal data indicate that melatonin secretion is stimulated by the
paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and that lesions of
the PVN mimic the endocrine effects of pinealectomy. Since the PVN lies
adjacent to the third ventricle, I propose that periventricular damage,
which is found in schizophrenia and may account for the third
ventricular dilatation seen on computed tomographic (CT), may disrupt
PVN-pineal interactions and ultimately enhance the process of pineal
calcification (PC). To investigate this hypothesis, I conducted CT study
on the relationship of PC size to third ventricular width (TVW) in 12
chronic schizophrenic patients (mean age: 33.7 years; SD = 7.3). For
comparison, I also studied the relationship of PC size to the
ventricular brain ratio and prefrontal cortical atrophy. As predicted,
there was a significant correlation between PC size and TVW (r pbi =
.61, p < .05), whereas PC was unrelated to the control
neuroradiological measures. The findings support the hypothesis that
periventricular damage may be involved in the process of PC in
schizophrenia and may indirectly implicate damage to the PVN in the
mechanisms underlying dysfunction of the pineal gland in schizophrenia.
In a second study, I investigated the prevalence of habenular
calcification (HAC) on CT in a cohort of 23 chronic
schizophrenic-patients (mean age: 31.2 years; SD = 5.95). In this sample
HAC was present in 20 patients (87%). Since the prevalence of HAC in a
control population of similar age is only 15% these data reveal an
almost 6-fold higher prevalence of HAC (X2 = 84.01, p < .0001) in
chronic schizophrenia as compared to normal controls. The implications
of HAC for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia are discussed in light
of the central role of the habenula in the regulation of limbic
functions.
PMID: 1305634
124.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Nov-Dec;67(1-4):173-86.
Nocturnal plasma melatonin and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone levels during exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
The pineal gland has been implicated recently in the pathogenesis of
multiple sclerosis (MS). To investigate this hypothesis further, we
studied nocturnal plasma melatonin levels and the presence or absence of
pineal calcification (PC) on CT scan in a cohort of 25 patients (5 men,
20 women; mean age: 41.1 years; SD = 11.1; range: 27-72) who were
admitted to a hospital Neurology service for exacerbation of symptoms.
Plasma alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) estimations were
included in the study since there is evidence for a feedback inhibition
between alpha-MSH and melatonin secretion. Abnormal melatonin levels
were found in 13 patients (52.0%), 11 of whom had nocturnal levels which
were below the daytime values (i.e., < 25 pg/ml). Although melatonin
levels were unrelated to the patient’s age and sex, there was a
positive correlation with age of onset of symptoms (p < .0001) and an
inverse correlation with the duration of illness (p < .05). PC was
noted in 24 of 25 patients (96%) underscoring the pathogenetic
relationship between MS and the pineal gland. Alpha-MSH levels were
undetectable in 15 patients (60.0%), low in two patients (8.0%), normal
in seven patients (28.0%), and elevated in one patient (4.0%).
Collectively, abnormal alpha-MSH levels were found in over 70% of
patients. These findings support the hypothesis that MS may be
associated with pineal failure and suggest, furthermore, that
alterations in the secretion of alpha-MSH also occur during exacerbation
of symptoms. The relevance of these findings to the pathogenesis of MS
are discussed.
PMID: 1305632
125.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Nov-Dec;67(1-4):145-71.
The influence of the pineal gland on migraine and cluster headaches and effects of treatment with picoTesla magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
For over half a century the generally accepted views on the
pathogenesis of migraine were based on the theories of Harold Wolff
implicating changes in cerebral vascular tone in the development of
migraine. Recent studies, which are based on Leao’s concept of spreading
depression, favor primary neuronal injury with secondary involvement of
the cerebral circulation. In contrast to migraine, the pathogenesis of
cluster headache (CH) remains entirely elusive. Both migraine and CH are
cyclical disorders which are characterised by spontaneous exacerbations
and remissions, seasonal variability of symptoms, and a relationship to
a variety of environmental trigger factors. CH in particular has a
strong circadian and seasonal regularity. It is now well established
that the pineal gland is an adaptive organ which maintains and regulates
cerebral homeostasis by “fine tuning” biological rhythms through the
mediation of melatonin. Since migraine and CH reflect abnormal adaptive
responses to environmental influences resulting in heightened
neurovascular reactivity, I propose that the pineal gland is a critical
mediator in their pathogenesis. This novel hypothesis provides a
framework for future research and development of new therapeutic
modalities for these chronic headache syndromes. The successful
treatment of a patient with an acute migraine attack with external
magnetic fields, which acutely inhibit melatonin secretion in animals
and humans, attests to the importance of the pineal gland in the
pathogenesis of migraine headache.
PMID: 1305631
126.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Nov-Dec;67(1-4):127-44.
L-tryptophan in neuropsychiatric disorders: a review.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Animal data indicate that serotonin (5-HT) is a major neurotransmitter
involved in the control of numerous central nervous system functions
including mood, aggression, pain, anxiety, sleep, memory, eating
behavior, addictive behavior, temperature control, endocrine regulation,
and motor behavior. Moreover, there is evidence that abnormalities of
5-HT functions are related to the pathophysiology of diverse
neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, tardive
dyskinesia, akathisia, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, familial tremor,
restless legs syndrome, myoclonus, Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome,
multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, and dementia. The psychiatric
disorders of schizophrenia, mania, depression, aggressive and
self-injurious behavior, obsessive compulsive disorder, seasonal
affective disorder, substance abuse, hypersexuality, anxiety disorders,
bulimia, childhood hyperactivity, and behavioral disorders in geriatric
patients have been linked to impaired central 5-HT functions.
Tryptophan, the natural amino acid precursor in 5-HT biosynthesis,
increases 5-HT synthesis in the brain and, therefore, may stimulate 5-HT
release and function. Since it is a natural constituent of the diet,
tryptophan should have low toxicity and produce few side effects. Based
on these advantages, dietary tryptophan supplementation has been used in
the management of neuropsychiatric disorders with variable success.
This review summarizes current clinical use of tryptophan
supplementation in neuropsychiatric disorders.
PMID: 1305630
127.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Nov-Dec;67(1-4):1-8.
Pineal calcification in relation to menopause in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
I have suggested that critical changes in melatonin secretion, as
mediated by the pineal gland, may exert a crucial role in the onset and
pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Since pineal calcification (PC) is
thought to reflect the metabolic and secretory activity of the gland, I
investigated in 29 randomly selected chronic institutionalized female
schizophrenic patients the association of PC on CT scan with
premenopausal (prior to age 40) versus menopausal (ages 40-55) onset of
illness. The premenopausal patients were found to show a significantly
higher prevalence of PC than the menopausal patients (55.5% vs. 18.1%;
X2 = 3.93, df = 1, p < .05). Since PC was unrelated to historical,
demographic, and treatment variables, these findings highlight the
importance of the pineal gland for the timing of the onset of
schizophrenia, particularly in relation to the female reproductive
state. The results carry theoretical implications on the pathogenesis of
schizophrenia and suggest that the pineal gland may exert a protective
effect against its onset.
PMID: 1305625
MeSH Terms, Substances
Select item 1305621
128.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Oct;66(3-4):237-50.
Successful treatment of multiple sclerosis with magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The present communication concerns a 50 year-old woman with a 15 year
history of chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in whom
extracranial application of picoTesla magnetic fields (MF) produced a
dramatic and sustained improvement in disability. In contrast,
administration of melatonin (3 mg, P.O.) produced in this patient a
rapid exacerbation of disability which was reversed subsequently by
treatment with MF. It is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of
picoTesla MF involve the mediation of the pineal gland which is known to
act as a magnetosensor. The report demonstrates, for the first time,
the remarkable efficacy of weak MF in the symptomatic treatment of
chronic-progressive MS and underscores the pivotal role of the pineal
gland in the pathophysiology of MS. If confirmed by a larger cohort of
patients, extracranial application of picoTesla MF may prove as an
extremely efficacious, nonpharmacological modality for the treatment of
MS.
PMID: 1305621
129.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Oct;66(3-4):209-35.
Magnetic fields in the therapy of parkinsonism.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
In a recent Editorial published in this Journal, I presented a new and
revolutionary method for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). I
reported that extracranial treatment with picoTesla magnetic fields (MF)
is a highly effective, safe, and revolutionary modality in the
symptomatic management of PD. My conclusion was based on experience
gained following the successful treatment of over 20 Parkinsonian
patients, two of whom had levodopa-induced dyskinesias. None of the
patients developed side effects during a several month period of
follow-up. In the present communication, I present two reports. The
first concerns four Parkinsonian patients in whom picoTesla MF produced a
remarkable and sustained improvement in disability. Three of the
patients had idiopathic PD and the fourth patient developed a
Parkinsonian syndrome following an anoxic episode. In all patients,
treatment with MF was applied as an adjunct to antiParkinsonian
medication. The improvement noted in these patients attests to the
efficacy of picoTesla MF as an additional, noninvasive modality in the
therapy of the disease. The second report concerns two demented
Parkinsonian patients in whom treatment with picoTesla MF rapidly
reversed visuospatial impairment as demonstrated by the Clock Drawing
Test. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the efficacy of
these MF in the amelioration of cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s
disease. Since Alzheimer’s pathology frequently coexists with the
dementia of Parkinsonism, these observations underscore the potential
efficacy of picoTesla MF in the treatment of dementias of various
etiologies.
PMID: 1305620
130.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Oct;66(3-4):143-51.
“Positive” and “negative” movement disorders in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Investigations aimed at identifying the clinical characteristics that
discriminate tardive dyskinesia (TD) from non-TD patients have yielded
disparate findings. We have suggested, based on pharmacological and
neuroradiological studies, that TD in schizophrenia may be a covariate
of positive symptoms while drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) may relate to
negative symptoms. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined in 47
institutionalized schizophrenic patients the relationship of TD and DIP
with psychopathology clusters rated on the Positive and Negative
Syndrome Scale. We found that involuntary movements of TD were
significantly associated with the activation cluster (p < .01),
whereas DIP was significantly associated with the anergia cluster (p
< .01). These findings thus support the position that TD is a
specific facet of the positive syndrome in schizophrenia, while DIP is a
specific feature of the negative syndrome. Clinically, the data suggest
that schizophrenic patients with predominant positive symptoms may be
at increased risk for TD, while those with prominent negative features
could be at increased risk for DIP. In analogy with the
positive/negative dichotomy, we propose that TD could be regarded as a
“positive,” while DIP as a “negative” movement disorder.
PMID: 1305614
131.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Sep;66(1-2):97-106.
Weak magnetic fields in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with the “on-off” phenomenon.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Application of external weak magnetic fields recently has been reported
to be efficacious in the treatment of a 62-year-old patient with
idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) complicated by levodopa-induced
fluctuations in motor response (“on-off”). I report an additional case
of a 67-year-old man with idiopathic PD and levodopa-related motor
fluctuations who likewise experienced marked and sustained improvement
in Parkinsonian symptoms and amelioration of “on-off” symptoms following
the application of external weak magnetic fields. Based on these
observations it is concluded that artificial weak magnetic fields may be
beneficial for the treatment of PD complicated by levodopa-related
“on-off” phenomenon. Furthermore, since in experimental animals external
magnetic fields alter the secretion of melatonin, which in turn has
been shown to regulate striatal and mesolimbic dopamine-mediated
behaviors, it is proposed that the antiParkinsonian effects of weak
magnetic fields are mediated via the pineal gland.
PMID: 1304575
132.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Sep;66(1-2):75-85.
Attenuation of epilepsy with application of external magnetic fields: a case report.
Sandyk R1, Anninos PA.
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that magnetoencephalographic (MEG)
brain measurements in patients with seizure disorders show significant
MEG activity often in the absence of conventional EEG abnormalities. We
localized foci of seizure activity using the mapping technique
characterized by the ISO-Spectral Amplitude (ISO-SA) on the scalp
distribution of specified spectral components or frequency bands of the
emitted MEG Fourier power spectrum. In addition, using an electronic
device, we utilized the above recorded activity to emit back the same
intensity and frequency of magnetic field to the presumed epileptic
foci. Using this method we were able, over the past two and one-half
years, successfully to attenuate seizure activity in a cohort of over
150 patients with various forms of epilepsy. We present a patient with
severe epilepsy and behavioral disturbances in whom application of an
external artificial magnetic field of low intensity produced a
substantial attenuation of seizure frequency which coincided with an
improvement in the patient’s behavior. This case demonstrates that
artificial magnetic treatment may be a valuable adjunctive procedure in
the management of epilepsy.
PMID: 1304572
133.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Sep;66(1-2):61-74.
Amine accumulation: a possible precursor of Lewy body formation in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1, Willis GL.
Abstract
It is now well recognized that the hypothalamus is an important site of
neuropathology in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Lewy bodies, a marker of
nerve cell degeneration and a pathological hallmark of PD, have been
observed frequently in the hypothalamus of PD patients by Lewy (1923)
and other investigators and confirmed by more recent systematic studies
by Langston & Forno (1978). Both Lewy and Langston & Forno found
a predilection of Lewy body formation in specific hypothalamic nuclei
with the tuberomammillary, lateral, and posterior areas containing by
far the highest average counts per nucleus. Selective vulnerability of
the tuberomammillary, lateral, and posterior hypothalamic cell groups to
degeneration has been observed also in aging, postencephalitic
Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. The susceptibility
of these particular nuclei to degenerative changes including Lewy body
formation is not presently understood nor are the mechanisms by which
Lewy bodies are formed in PD and other CNS disorders. Accumulation of
amines, a pathological process which follows degeneration of
catecholamine-containing neurons in experimental animals, also occurs
most frequently in the lateral and posterior hypothalamic areas. In the
present communication we propose that in PD, amine accumulation may be a
precursor to Lewy body formation and that the susceptibility of certain
hypothalamic areas to Lewy body formation may be related to their
propensity to accumulate amines. Furthermore, the frequent co-existence
of Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s neurofibrillary tangles in the lateral
and posterior hypothalamic nuclei suggest that they may share a common
pathogenetic etiology. If confirmed, this hypothesis may provide an
experimental model by which the formation of Lewy bodies and
neurofibrillary tangles may be investigated.
PMID: 1304571
134.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Sep;66(1-2):1-15.
Weak magnetic fields as a novel therapeutic modality in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1304562
135.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jul-Aug;65(1-4):83-90.
Melatonin and petit-mal epilepsy: an hypothesis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Intraventricular administration of the opioid peptide
leucine-enkephalin has been reported to induce petit-mal-like seizures
in rats. These seizures have been found to be an age-dependent
phenomenon. In rats, the full manifestation of these seizures develops
after 4 weeks of age during which time ethosuximide was effective in
aborting these seizures, while phenytoin and phenobarbital were
ineffective. The period associated with the development of
enkephalin-induced seizures in rats coincides with an important
milestone in pineal chronobiology. In rats, melatonin plasma levels peak
at 3 weeks of age, a period which also corresponds with the emergence
of melatonin circadian rhythms. It is proposed that melatonin mediates
the anticonvulsant action of drugs effective for petit-mal (absence)
epilepsy and that the pineal gland is implicated in the pathogenesis of
this form of childhood epilepsy.
PMID: 1341694
136.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jul-Aug;65(1-4):61-8.
Magnetic fields mimic the behavioral effects of REM sleep deprivation in humans.
Sandyk R1, Tsagas N, Anninos PA, Derpapas K.
Abstract
The discovery of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by Aserinsky and
Kleitman in 1953 initiated the impetus for sleep research and
specifically the investigations of the effects of REM sleep deprivation
(RSD) on animal and human behavior. The behavioral effects of RSD
include the enhancement of motivational and “drive”-related behaviors.
In laboratory animals, RSD has been reported to increase appetite,
sexual behavior, aggressiveness, and locomotor activity. Moreover, RSD
reportedly improves mood in patients with endogenous depression and
heightens appetite and sexual interest in normal subjects. Since
“drive”-related behaviors are thought to involve activation of limbic
dopaminergic reward sites, RSD may enhance motivational behaviors
through an action on limbic dopaminergic functions. In the present
communication, we present two patients (one with multiple sclerosis and
the other with Parkinson’s disease) in whom treatment with magnetic
fields produced behavioral effects which paralleled those observed in
REM-sleep-deprived animals and humans. We propose, therefore, that the
behavioral and mental effects of treatment with magnetic fields may be
mediated via RSD and, by inference, involve activation of limbic
dopaminergic reward sites.
PMID: 1341692
137.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jul-Aug;65(1-4):199-207.
Sensitivity of dopamine receptors in the lateral hypothalamus is altered in 6-hydroxydopamine treated rats.
Willis GL1, Sandyk R.
Abstract
Amine accumulation is observed in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) after
nigrostriatal neurons degenerate. It has been proposed that this
accumulation is a source of amines which are released into the
hypothalamus thereby affecting the function of adjacent aminergic
receptors. To approximate this condition of continuous exposure of LH
receptors to endogenous amines, dopamine (DA) was injected into the LH
of rats once daily for 5 consecutive days. A control group received 4
daily injections of tartaric acid vehicle and then DA on day 5. Rats
pretreated with DA showed severe impairment of open field performance
and motor reflex control on day 5 when they were compared to control
animals which received vehicle pretreatment. In a second study, the DA
receptor antagonist haloperidol was injected into the area of amine
accumulation in the LH to determine whether this might block amine
release from areas of accumulation thereby to attenuate lesion-induced
rotation. Haloperidol administered once daily for 4 out of 7 days, once
daily for 7 days or via a continuous infusion for 7 days, all reduced
d,l-amphetamine-induced turning to control levels. These results suggest
that prolonged exposure of hypothalamic DA receptors alters their
sensitivity to subsequent doses of DA and that amine released from areas
of accumulation may be blocked by haloperidol to enhance behavioral
recovery from DA depleting lesions. Moreover, these findings indicate
that the hypothalamus participates in the behavioral effects induced by
DA depleting lesions and highlight the importance of hypothalamic
pathology in Parkinson’s disease.
PMID: 1341683
138.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jul-Aug;65(1-4):187-97.
Amelioration of experimental parkinsonism by intrahypothalamic administration of haloperidol.
Willis GL1, Smith GC, Pavey GM, Sandyk R.
Abstract
Accumulation of amines in the degenerating axons of ascending
catecholamine-containing neurons in the hypothalamus has been proposed
as a site of function neurotransmitter release and may thereby
participate in the development of motor impairment seen after central
dopamine-depleting lesions. To test this hypothesis further the dopamine
receptor antagonist haloperidol (1 microL of a 14 nmol solution) was
injected directly into the lateral hypothalamus (LH) in 6 different
injection regimes to determine whether amphetamine-induced turning could
be attenuated with this treatment. The injection of haloperidol at 1
and 24 h (group 1), 24 h (group 2) or 6+ 7 d (group 3) after
6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) did not modify amphetamine-induced turning.
However, the injection of haloperidol at 1 h, 24 h, 7 d, and 8 d (group
4), days 1-7 (group 5), or gradual infusion (14 nmol/microliters/h) for 7
days (group 6) all reduced the 6-OHDA-induced turning to a level
similar to that of controls. These results add further support to the
contention that amines are released from the axons of degenerating
neurones in the hypothalamus and that this phenomenon participates in
the elicitation of behavioral impairment attributed solely to the loss
of functional neurotransmitters from terminal fields. Furthermore, the
data emphasize the importance of hypothalamic pathology in the
development of Parkinsonism and suggest that intrahypothalamic
administration of dopamine blocking agents might be useful in the
treatment of Parkinsonism.
PMID: 1341681
139.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jul-Aug;65(1-4):177-81.
Dysmenorrhea and the pineal gland.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1341679
140.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jul-Aug;65(1-4):167-75.
Calcification of the pineal gland: relationship to laterality of the epileptic foci in patients with complex partial seizures.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The right and left temporal lobes differ from each other with respect
to the rate of intrauterine growth, the timing of maturation, rate of
aging, anatomical organization, neurochemistry, metabolic rate,
electroencephalographic measures, and function. These functional
differences between the temporal lobes underlies the different patterns
of psychopathology and endocrine reproductive disturbances noted in
patients with temporolimbic epilepsy. The right hemisphere has greater
limbic and reticular connections than the left. Since the pineal gland
receives direct innervation from the limbic system and the secretion of
melatonin is influenced by an input from the reticular system, I propose
that lesions in the right temporal lobe have a greater impact on pineal
melatonin functions as opposed to those in the left dominant temporal
lobe. Consequently, since calcification of the pineal gland is thought
to reflect past secretory activity of the gland, I predicted a higher
prevalence of pineal calcification (PC) in epileptic patients with right
temporal lobe as opposed to those with left temporal lobe foci. To
investigate this hypothesis, the prevalence of PC on CT scan was studied
in a sample of 70 patients (43 men, 27 women, mean age: 29.2 years,
range 9-58; SD = 10.1) with complex partial seizures, of whom 49 (70.0%)
had a right temporal lobe focus. PC was present in 51 patients (72.8%)
and was unrelated to any of the historical and demographic data
surveyed. In the patients with a focus in the right temporal lobe, PC
was present in 46 cases (93.8%) as compared to 5 of 21 patients (23.8%)
with left temporal lobe foci.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PMID: 1341678
141.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):203-7.
The role of melatonin in the antipsychotic and motor-side effects of neuroleptics: a hypothesis.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR, Gillman MA.
Abstract
Three phenomena concerning the antipsychotic action of classic
neuroleptic drugs have not been adequately explained by the dopamine
hypothesis: (1) administration of neuroleptic drugs is commonly
associated with an initial period of 3-6 weeks prior to demonstration of
antipsychotic effects; (2) similarly, neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism
commonly emerges only after several weeks of neuroleptic therapy; (3)
moreover, Parkinsonism may disappear despite continuous neuroleptic
treatment. An understanding of these phenomena might shed new light into
the nature of the antipsychotic actions of these agents, and hence the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We propose that the increase in
melatonin secretion, which occurs with the initiation of neuroleptic
therapy, may be responsible for the delay in the antipsychotic effects
of neuroleptics and may also account for the lag in the development of
drug-induced Parkinsonism as well as its disappearance. The implications
of this hypothesis for the treatment of schizophrenia and the
prophylaxis of drug-induced Parkinsonism are discussed.
PMID: 1364141
142.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):7-14.
Autonomic functions in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Awerbuch GI1, Sandyk R.
Abstract
Disturbances of autonomic nervous functions are common in patients with
Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may develop as a result of pathological
changes in centers of autonomic regulation such as the hypothalamus,
brainstem, and sympathetic ganglia. We examined cardiovascular reflexes
using bedside, noninvasive procedures in 20 unmedicated PD patients with
early stages of the disease (stages 1 and 2 on the Hoehn and Yahr’s
scale). Sixteen patients (80%) exhibited some degree of autonomic
nervous system dysfunction. These included predominantly cardiovascular
functions mediated via the parasympathetic system. Our findings
demonstrate: (a) a high prevalence of autonomic disturbances in early
stage PD, and (b) that dysregulation of parasympathetic cardiovascular
control mechanisms is a major feature of dysautonomia in early,
unmedicated PD patients.
PMID: 1342051
143.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):23-31.
Dysautonomia in Parkinson’s disease: relationship to motor disability.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Disturbances of autonomic nervous system functions are common in
patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may develop as a result of
pathology in centers of autonomic regulation such as the hypothalamus,
brainstem, and sympathetic ganglia. We examined the relationship between
the degree of motor disability, as determined from the Hoehn and Yahr
scale (1967), and the presence of pandysautonomia, as determined by the
assessment of noninvasive cardiovascular reflexes, in 29 unmedicated PD
patients (mean age: 72.0 years, SD = 8.9). In addition, we investigated
the relationship of pandysautonomia to CT scan measures of cerebral
atrophy and to the presence or absence of pineal calcification. Nine
patients (31.0%) were found to have pandysautonomia with deficits in
both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular functions.
Pandysautonomia was statistically related only to the degree of motor
disability (p < .01). These findings demonstrate a significant
association between motor disability and objective impairment of central
cardiovascular functions in PD.
PMID: 1342044
144.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):221-3.
Does melatonin mediate the therapeutic effects of 5-HT reuptake inhibitors in obsessive compulsive disorder?
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1342043
145.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):217-9.
Pineal calcification and its relationship to hallucinations in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1342042
146.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):209-12.
The association of diabetes mellitus with dementia in Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R, Awerbuch GI.
PMID: 1342040
147.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):195-201.
Cocaine addiction: relationship to seasonal affective disorder.
Sandyk R1, Kanofsky JD.
Abstract
We report a 25 year-old patient with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
and cocaine abuse who experienced cyclical fluctuations in cocaine
craving which were concomitant with seasonal alterations in mood. The
temporal association of both disorders in this patient suggests that
they may share a common underlying pathophysiology. Since disturbances
in circadian rhythms and pineal melatonin functions may in part underlie
the pathophysiology of SAD and the psychomimetic effects of cocaine are
mediated in part through the pineal gland, we propose that dysfunction
of circadian rhythms and pineal melatonin functions may partly mediate
the association of SAD with cocaine abuse. This hypothesis may have
potential clinical and therapeutic implications for a subgroup of
cocaine abusers with SAD since light therapy, which is efficacious in
the therapy of SAD, may also prove to be beneficial in reducing cocaine
addiction. Furthermore, the report illustrates the need for
investigations of environmental cues for cocaine abuse with specific
attention given to the effects of light on circadian mood changes.
PMID: 1342039
148.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 May-Jun;64(1-4):1-6.
A tribute to Professor Sidney Weinstein on his 70th birthday.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1342030
149.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Apr;63(3-4):265-74.
Magnetic fields alter the circadian periodicity of seizures.
Sandyk R1, Anninos PA.
Abstract
We have recently reported that application of external, weak magnetic
fields attenuated seizures in epileptic patients (Anninos et al., 1991).
However, the mechanisms by which magnetic stimulation reduces seizure
activity are unknown. We present four non-selected epileptic patients
the first to be rated by the senior author, in whom treatment with
magnetic fields attenuated the severity of seizures and also altered the
circadian occurrence of seizures. The first patient, a 27-year old
woman, had generalized tonic-clonic seizures which occurred almost
exclusively at night. Following treatment with magnetic fields she
experienced attenuation of seizures which then occurred only after
waking up in the morning. The second patient, a 42-year old man, had
generalized tonic-clonic seizures which occurred randomly during the day
and night. Treatment with magnetic fields resulted in disappearance of
nocturnal seizures with seizures now occurring exclusively during the
day. The third patient, a 21-year old woman had generalized tonic-clonic
seizures which occurred randomly during the day. After treatment with
magnetic fields she was free of seizures for 7 months, but recently
experienced one attack in the morning hours while sleeping. The fourth
patient, a 39-year old woman had secondary generalized seizures since
the age of 12. Prior to treatment with magnetic fields she had 8-10
seizures daily which occurred randomly during the day and night hours.
Magnetic treatment resulted in attenuation in seizure frequency
(1-2/day) with seizures now occurring only during the day. We propose,
therefore, that since the pineal gland is a magnetosensitive organ which
“transduces” environmental information of the light-dark cycle and of
the earth’s magnetic field into an endocrine message mediated via the
circadian release of melatonin, and since it is recognized that
melatonin attenuates seizure activity, artificial magnetic fields
attenuate seizure activity by altering the functions of the pineal
gland.
PMID: 1304559
150.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Apr;63(3-4):221-7.
Alpha rhythm and the pineal gland.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Alpha rhythm is classically described as a bilateral posterior rhythm
of substantially constant frequency in the range of 8-13 Hz which is
enhanced by mental relaxation and blocked by attention. Since the full
expression of alpha rhythm has been shown to occur coincident with
puberty, it is possible that the establishment of alpha rhythm is
subject to neuroendocrine influences which govern psychosexual
maturation. There is ample evidence to indicate that the pineal gland is
implicated in cerebral maturation and psychosexual development.
Nocturnal plasma melatonin levels have been shown to decline
progressively throughout childhood reaching a nadir at puberty. Since
administration of melatonin has been reported to block alpha rhythm, it
is proposed that the progressive decline in melatonin secretion during
childhood facilitates the maturation of the alpha rhythm. Consequently,
the presence of alpha rhythm could be used as a neurophysiological
marker for the activity of the pineal gland and disorders associated
with absent or delayed maturation of the alpha rhythm such as autism,
dyslexia, personality disorders, epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, and
schizophrenia might be related to disturbances of pineal melatonin
functions in early life. Moreover, since the EEG patterns associated
with cerebral immaturity (i.e., slowing, absence of alpha activity) are
more pronounced in the left hemisphere, this hypothesis implies
differential influence of the pineal gland on hemispheric maturation
potentially accounting for the vulnerability of the left hemisphere to
cerebral insults.
PMID: 1304557
151.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Apr;63(3-4):205-15.
The pineal gland and multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R.
Comment in
Demyelination as an epiphenomenon in multiple sclerosis. [Int J Neurosci. 1993]
PMID: 1304555
152.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Apr;63(3-4):197-204.
The pineal gland and the menstrual cycle.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The menstrual cycle reflects the expression of a cyclical process
involving the interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and
the ovaries. This complex process requires an integrated neural and
humoral control mechanism. It is now well established that a
hypothalamic “transducer” located in the medial basal hypothalamus
integrates neural and humoral information and translates it into an
oscillatory signal which eventually results in the release of the
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), triggering the secretion of
gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Recent animal studies indicate
that melatonin influences the functions of the
hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by modifying the firing frequency of
the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator. Consequently, the pineal gland,
through the action of melatonin, may exert an important modulatory
effect on the mechanisms controlling menstrual cyclicity. Furthermore,
abnormal melatonin functions may be involved in the pathogenesis of
several disorders of the menstrual cycle including some forms of
hypothalamic amenorrhea such as exercise and malnutrition-induced
amenorrhea. Consideration of pineal melatonin functions provides a new
dimension into the understanding of the neuroendocrine mechanisms
governing the cyclical phenomena of the female reproductive system.
PMID: 1304554
153.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Mar;63(1-2):141-50.
Magnetic fields in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Sandyk R1, Anninos PA, Tsagas N, Derpapas K.
Abstract
Levodopa-induced dyskinesias are a common complication of chronic
dopaminergic therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The
overall prevalence of levodopa-induced dyskinesias ranges from 40%-90%
and is related to the underlying disease process, pharmacologic factors,
and to the duration of high dose levodopa therapy. The mechanisms
underlying the emergence of levodopa-induced dyskinesias are unknown,
although most investigators favor the theory that striatal dopamine
receptor supersensitivity is directly responsible for the development of
these abnormal movements. In laboratory animals, the pineal hormone
melatonin has been shown to regulate striatal dopaminergic activity and
block levodopa-induced dyskinesias (Cotzias et al., 1971). Since the
pineal gland is known to be a magnetosensitive organ and as application
of external magnetic fields has been shown to alter melatonin secretion,
we studied the effects of application of external artificial weak
magnetic fields in a Parkinsonian patient with severe levodopa-induced
dyskinesias (“on-off”). Application of weak magnetic fields with a
frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of 7.5 picotesla (pT) for a 6 minute
period resulted in a rapid and dramatic attenuation of Parkinsonian
disability and an almost complete resolution of the dyskinesias. This
effect persisted for about 72 hours after which the patient regressed to
his pretreatment state. To ascertain if the responses elicited in the
laboratory were reproducible, the patient was instructed to apply
magnetic fields of the same characteristics daily at home. These
subsequent treatments paralleled the initial response with a sustained
improvement being maintained during an observation period lasting at
least one month. This case demonstrates the efficacy of weak magnetic
fields in the treatment of Parkinsonism and motor complications of
chronic levodopa therapy.
PMID: 1342026
154.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Mar;63(1-2):137-40.
Accelerated growth of malignant melanoma by levodopa in Parkinson’s disease and role of the pineal gland.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1342025
155.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Mar;63(1-2):125-35.
Melatonin as a proconvulsive hormone in humans.
Sandyk R1, Tsagas N, Anninos PA.
Abstract
The pineal gland and melatonin exert a major influence in the control
of brain electrical activity and have been shown to be involved in
seizure and sleep mechanisms. Since pinealectomy has been reported to
result in seizures in experimental animals, it is assumed that melatonin
has anticonvulsant properties. Indeed, limited studies in humans with
temporal lobe epilepsy indicate that melatonin attenuates seizure
activity. In the present communication we present evidence, based on
magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain measurements, that melatonin may
exert proconvulsive activity in humans as well. The proconvulsive
properties of melatonin may explain several phenomena associated with
epilepsy such as the increased occurrence of seizures at night when
melatonin plasma levels are 5 to 8-fold higher than during the day and
the observed exacerbation of seizures premenstrually and during
pregnancy as well as the attenuation of seizures in the menopause.
Furthermore, our findings suggest that anticonvulsants which decrease
melatonin secretion, such as the benzodiazepines, may exert their
antiepileptic activity by attenuating nocturnal melatonin secretion.
Finally, we propose that patients with nocturnal epilepsy or those
experiencing exacerbation of seizures premenstrually may benefit from
the administration of agents which block the secretion or action of
melatonin.
PMID: 1342024
156.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Mar;63(1-2):105-14.
Melatonin and maturation of REM sleep.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
The discovery in 1953 of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and the
appreciation that sleep is a heterogeneous physiological state
stimulated major research into sleep disorders. Electroencephalographic
studies have shown that the amount of REM sleep changes with age. While
newborns spend almost 50% of their sleep time in REM, the percentage of
REM sleep decreases to 30% by the age of 3 months and to 20% by the age
of 6 months. In addition, newborns enter REM sleep soon after the
initiation of sleep, but by the age of 4 months entry into sleep assumes
the adult pattern in which a significant period of non-REM sleep
precedes the onset of REM sleep. Since reduction in the amount of REM
sleep is associated with cerebral maturation and since the pineal gland
has been implicated both in cerebral development and in the organization
of REM sleep, the pineal gland may be involved in the maturation of the
adult REM sleep pattern. Prior to the age of 3 months melatonin plasma
levels are low and the characteristic circadian rhythms of melatonin are
absent. Thereafter, melatonin secretion increases and circadian
rhythmicity of melatonin becomes apparent. Thus, the abundance of REM
sleep during the first 3 months of infancy is associated with deficient
pineal melatonin functions, while the decline in the percentage of REM
sleep coincides with the emergence of melatonin secretion coincident
with the maturation of the pineal gland. I propose, therefore, that a
state of low melatonin secretion is permissive for REM sleep and that
maturation of the pineal gland retards REM sleep. This hypothesis is
supported by the findings that melatonin suppresses REM sleep in cats
and that in rats and humans pinealectomy induces a narcoleptic-like
pattern of REM sleep which strikingly resembles that of the newborn and
which is reversed by the administration of melatonin. A further
hypothesis is advanced to explain the pathophysiology of narcolepsy in
terms of a maturational defect of the pineal gland in infancy.
PMID: 1342022
157.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Feb;62(3-4):269-72.
Paraventricular nucleus-pineal interaction: relevance to tardive dyskinesia.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1363950
158.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Feb;62(3-4):273-5.
Dystonia as the presenting manifestation of multiple sclerosis.
Awerbuch GI, Sandyk R.
PMID: 1305611
159.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Feb;62(3-4):263-7.
Seasonal panic disorder: a possible variant of seasonal affective disorder.
Sandyk R1, Dann LC.
Abstract
The present communication concerns a 30 year-old female patient with
panic disorder in whom panic attacks appeared to be seasonally-related.
Characteristically, attacks were more frequent and severe during the
months of October to May with spontaneous remissions during the months
of June to September. Since 70% of patients with seasonal affective
disorder (SAD), a variant of affective illness characterized by
recurrent winter depressions with remissions in summer, suffer from
anxiety disorders, we propose that seasonal panic disorder may be a
variant of SAD. Since SAD is associated with phase delay of circadian
rhythms, some forms of panic disorder may be related to phase
instability of circadian rhythms. Moreover, since administration of
artificial bright light therapy is currently the most effective
treatment for SAD, it is suggested that patients with panic disorder
should be questioned as to whether their symptoms are seasonally
related. If a positive association is established, these patients should
be offered treatment with light therapy prior to or coincident with the
institution of pharmacotherapy.
PMID: 1305610
160.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Feb;62(3-4):243-50.
The pineal gland and spontaneous abortions: implications for therapy with melatonin and magnetic field.
Sandyk R1, Anastasiadis PG, Anninos PA, Tsagas N.
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion, the termination of pregnancy prior to 20 weeks of
gestation, is estimated to occur in 40%-50% of all pregnancies and in
12%-15% of identified pregnancies. The causes of spontaneous abortion
can be divided into two main categories: those arising from chromosomal
anomalies and those arising from abnormalities in the intrauterine
environment. In the following communication, we propose that deficient
pineal melatonin functions in early pregnancy may be causally related to
the development of spontaneous abortions in cases where chromosomal
anomalies or structural abnormalities of the uterus have been excluded.
This hypothesis is based on the findings that: (a) melatonin plasma
levels normally increase by 200%-300% in the first 20 weeks of
pregnancy; (b) melatonin decreases uterine contractility in the rat; (c)
melatonin stimulates the secretion of progesterone, which decreases
uterine contractility and prevents immunological rejection of the
trophoblast; (d) melatonin inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins,
which are potent inducers of uterine contractility and labor, and (e)
pinealectomy increases the number of spontaneous abortions in pregnant
rats. In addition, since melatonin is a hormone with immunosuppressant
properties, we propose that the increased melatonin production in early
pregnancy may contribute to a state of “transplantation immunity” to the
paternal histocompatibility antigens preventing immunological rejection
of the trophoblast. If this hypothesis is correct, then plasma
melatonin, levels during early pregnancy could be used as an indicator
for increased risk of spontaneous abortions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250
WORDS)
PMID: 1305609
161.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Feb;62(3-4):215-25.
Is postmenopausal osteoporosis related to pineal gland functions?
Sandyk R1, Anastasiadis PG, Anninos PA, Tsagas N.
Abstract
There is currently considerable interest in the pathogenesis of
postmenopausal osteoporosis, which is the most common metabolic bone
disease. Osteoporosis affects approximately 20 million persons in the
United States, 90% of whom are postmenopausal women. Although there is
evidence that estrogen deficiency is an important contributory factor,
the pathogenesis of osteoporosis is multifactorial and presently poorly
understood. There is evidence that pineal melatonin is an anti-aging
hormone and that the menopause is associated with a substantial decline
in melatonin secretion and an increased rate of pineal calcification.
Animal data indicate that pineal melatonin is involved in the regulation
of calcium and phosphorus metabolism by stimulating the activity of the
parathyroid glands and by inhibiting calcitonin release and inhibiting
prostaglandin synthesis. Hence, the pineal gland may function as a “fine
tuner” of calcium homeostasis. In the following communication, we
propose that the fall of melatonin plasma levels during the early stage
of menopause may be an important contributory factor in the development
of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Consequently, plasma melatonin levels
taken in the early menopause could be used as an indicator or perhaps as
a marker for susceptibility to postmenopausal osteoporosis. Moreover,
light therapy, administration of oral melatonin (2.5 mg at night) or
agents which induce a sustained release of melatonin secretion such as
5-methoxypsoralen, could be useful agents in the prophylaxis and
treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Finally, since application of
external artificial magnetic fields has been shown to synchronize
melatonin secretion in experimental animals and humans, we propose that
treatment with artificial magnetic fields may be beneficial for
postmenopausal osteoporosis.
PMID: 1305608
162.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jan;62(1-2):97-100.
Antioxidants in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Kanofsky JD, Sandyk R.
Comment on
Oxygen free radicals and brain dysfunction. [Int J Neurosci. 1991]
PMID: 1342020
163.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jan;62(1-2):89-96.
Is the pineal gland involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma.
Sandyk R1, Anastasiadis PG, Anninos PA, Tsagas N.
Abstract
The pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma, which is the most common
malignant neoplasm of the female genital tract, is unknown. It is
believed that a prolonged period of increased estrogenic exposure
unopposed by progesterone may underlie the malignant transformation of
the endometrial cells. In the following communication, we propose that
deficient melatonin functions may be an additional endocrine factor
implicated in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma. This hypothesis
is based on the observations that: (a) melatonin has antiestrogenic
properties; (b) melatonin stimulates progesterone production which
opposes the action of estrogens; (c) an increased rate of endometrial
hyperplasia, a premalignant condition, has been noted during the winter,
a time of year associated with diminished melatonin secretion; (d) an
increased incidence of anovulatory cycles, which is a risk factor for
endometrial carcinoma, occurs in the winter; (e) melatonin secretion
decreases sharply during the menopause, a period associated with an
increased risk of endometrial carcinoma; (f) obesity, which is a major
risk factor for endometrial carcinoma, is associated with impaired
circadian melatonin secretion; (g) diabetes mellitus, which is an
additional risk factor for endometrial carcinoma, is associated with
decreased melatonin secretion and an increased rate of pineal
calcification; and (h) the prevalence of endometrial carcinoma is lower
in the black population compared to the white population. Similarly, the
incidence of pineal calcification, which reflects the secretory
activity of the gland, is significantly lower in the African and
American black populations as compared to the white population.(ABSTRACT
TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PMID: 1342018
164.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jan;62(1-2):65-74.
The pineal gland and the clinical course of multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Clinical, epidemiological, biochemical, immunological, and radiological
studies suggest that the pineal gland may be implicated in the
pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). The following communication
is concerned with the association among MS, pregnancy, the postpartum
period, and melatonin secretion and illustrates, based on a clinical
case report, the influence of the pineal gland on the clinical course of
MS. This association is noteworthy since MS may worsen during the
postpartum period and melatonin secretion is reported to be altered most
dramatically by pregnancy and delivery. Since melatonin secretion is
cyclical, undergoing diurnal, weekly, seasonal, and annual variations,
it is proposed that the pineal gland may be the “prime mover” underlying
the spontaneous exacerbations and remissions in MS.
PMID: 1342015
165.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jan;62(1-2):107-11.
Abnormal EEG and calcification of the pineal gland in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Computed tomographic (CT) studies of the brain in schizophrenic
patients have demonstrated a variety of structural abnormalities. We
reported recently an association between pineal calcification (PC) and
cortical and prefrontal cortical atrophy, and third ventricular size on
CT scan in chronic schizophrenic patients. These findings indicate that
in schizophrenia PC is associated with the morphological brain
abnormalities associated with the disease. If PC is, indeed, related to
organic cerebral pathology, then one would expect a higher prevalence of
pineal gland pathology among patients with electroencephalographic
(EEG) abnormalities by comparison to those with a normal EEG. To
investigate this hypothesis, we studied the prevalence of PC on CT scan
in a sample of 52 neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients (29 men, 23
women, mean age: 51.3 years SD = 9.1), of whom 10 (19.2%) had an
abnormal EEG. The prevalence of PC in patients with EEG abnormalities
was significantly greater by comparison to those with a normal EEG
(90.0% vs. 54.8%, X2 = 4.24, p < .05). Since both groups did not
differ on any of the historical and demographic data, and since PC was
unrelated to neuroleptic exposure, these findings suggest that in
schizophrenia PC may be related to the disease process and that it may
be a marker of subcortical pathology.
PMID: 1342008
166.
Int J Neurosci. 1992 Jan;62(1-2):101-5.
Postpartum psychosis and the pineal gland.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1342007
167.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Dec;61(3-4):189-219.
Relevance of the habenular complex to neuropsychiatry: a review and hypothesis.
Sandyk R1.
Abstract
Since the initial observation by Brown (1914) that electrical
stimulation applied to the habenular efferent bundle in the chimpanzee
evoked a pattern of respiration which closely resembled the act of
laughter, the habenular complex has remained a mysterious structure. The
anatomy of the habenular complex is well delineated (Jones, 1985)
forming a major component of the dorsal diencephalic conduction system.
Data derived mainly from animal experimentation over the past decade
point to the fact that the habenular complex functions as an important
link between the limbic forebrain and the midbrain-extrapyramidal motor
system. The elucidation of the functions of the habenular complex may
thus significantly increase the current insight into the understanding
of the interaction between behavioral and motor functions. Clearly, such
information would be of great relevance for further understanding of
neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease,
Tardive dyskinesia, and Tourette’s syndrome in which behavioral and
motor impairments are interfaced. This review summarizes anatomical,
functional, and pharmacological aspects of the habenular complex and
discusses its potential contribution to the pathophysiology of selected
neuropsychiatric and movement disorders.
PMID: 1824382
168.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Dec;61(3-4):149-88.
Risk factors for neuroleptic-induced movement disorders.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR, Awerbuch GI, Iacono RP.
Abstract
Chronic neuroleptic therapy may be associated with the development of
diverse movement disorders including Tardive dyskinesia (TD),
Parkinsonism, dystonia, and akathisia in a subset of schizophrenic
patients. It is presently unknown why only a proportion of
neuroleptic-treated patients develop these movement disorders. In the
following communication, we present a series of studies which
demonstrate that the development of these movement disorders may be
facilitated by certain risk factors including disturbances in pineal
melatonin functions, diabetes mellitus, cognitive deficits, suicidal
behavior, and disturbances in the functions of the choroid plexus.
Recognition of these biological factors may prove useful in: (a) further
understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders, and (b)
identifying patients at risk for these movement disorders.
PMID: 1688114
169.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Nov;61(1-2):87-90.
Magnesium deficiency in chronic schizophrenia.
Kanofsky JD, Sandyk R.
PMID: 1809739
170.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Nov;61(1-2):61-7.
The pineal gland in multiple sclerosis.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch GI.
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of unknown
etiology. Clinical, neurochemical, and neuroradiological data implicate
the pineal gland in the pathophysiology of MS. To investigate the
relationship of MS to the pineal gland further, we surveyed the
prevalence of pineal calcification (PC) on CT scan in a cohort of 29 MS
patients (7 men, 22 women, mean age: 40.1 years, SD = 8.9) who were
admitted consecutively to a neurological service for acute exacerbation
of symptoms. For the purpose of comparison, we also surveyed the
prevalence of choroid plexus calcification (CPC) in the sample.
Twenty-one age and sex-matched neurological patients served as controls
(5 men, 16 women, mean age: 37.0, SD = 9.2). PC was seen in 100% of MS
patients, while 72.4% patients (N = 21) had CPC. In the control sample,
PC was found in 42.8% (N = 9) and CPC in 28.5% (N = 6). Thus, the
strikingly high prevalence of PC in MS provides indirect support for an
association between MS and abnormalities of the pineal gland. Moreover,
since pineal melatonin is involved in neuroimmunomodulation, we propose,
for the first time, that abnormalities of pineal melatonin functions
are implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease.
PMID: 1809735
171.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Nov;61(1-2):145-8.
Prolactin secretion in multiple sclerosis.
Awerbuch AI, Sandyk R.
PMID: 1809732
172.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1991 Nov;40(3):701-8.
Controlled clinical trial of cannabidiol in Huntington’s disease.
Consroe P1, Laguna J, Allender J, Snider S, Stern L, Sandyk R, Kennedy K, Schram K.
Abstract
Based on encouraging preliminary findings, cannabidiol (CBD), a major
nonpsychotropic constituent of Cannabis, was evaluated for symptomatic
efficacy and safety in 15 neuroleptic-free patients with Huntington’s
Disease (HD). The effects of oral CBD (10 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and
placebo (sesame oil for 6 weeks) were ascertained weekly under a
double-blind, randomized cross-over design. A comparison of the effects
of CBD and placebo on chorea severity and other therapeutic outcome
variables, and on a Cannabis side effect inventory, clinical lab tests
and other safety outcome variables, indicated no significant (p greater
than 0.05) or clinically important differences. Correspondingly, plasma
levels of CBD were assayed by GC/MS, and the weekly levels (mean range
of 5.9 to 11.2 ng/ml) did not differ significantly over the 6 weeks of
CBD administration. In summary, CBD, at an average daily dose of about
700 mg/day for 6 weeks, was neither symptomatically effective nor toxic,
relative to placebo, in neuroleptic-free patients with HD.
PMID: 1839644
173.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Oct;60(3-4):173-5.
Pineal calcification and anticonvulsant responsiveness to artificial magnetic stimulation in epileptic patients.
Sandyk R, Anninos PA, Tsagas N, Derpapas K.
PMID: 1787046
174.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Oct;60(3-4):141-71.
Magnetic stimulation in the treatment of partial seizures.
Anninos PA1, Tsagas N, Sandyk R, Derpapas K.
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain
measurements in patients with seizure disorders show significant MEG
activity often in the absence of conventional EEG abnormalities. We
localized foci of seizure activity using the mapping technique
characterized by the ISO-Spectral Amplitude (ISO-SA) on the scalp
distribution of specified spectral components or frequency bands of the
emitted MEG Fourier power spectrum. In addition, using an electronic
device, we utilized the above recorded activity to emit back the same
intensity and frequency of magnetic field to the presumed epileptic
foci. Using this method we were able, over the past two years,
successfully to attenuate seizure activity in a cohort of over 100
patients with various forms of epilepsy. We now present in more detail
three randomly selected patients with partial seizures in whom
application of an external artificial magnetic field of low intensity
produced a substantial attenuation of seizure frequency during an
observation period extending from 10 to 14 months. All patients had
previously obtained only partial response to conventional anticonvulsant
therapy. Attenuation in seizure frequency was associated with
normalization of the MEG activity. These cases demonstrate that
artificial magnetic treatment may be a valuable adjunctive procedure in
the management of partial seizures. The possible mechanisms underlying
the anticonvulsant properties of magnetic stimulation at both cellular
and systemic levels are discussed. Specifically, since the pineal gland
has been shown to be a magnetosensitive organ which forms part of a
combined compass-solar clock system, and since it exerts an inhibitory
action on seizure activity in both experimental animals and humans, we
discuss the potential pivotal role of the pineal gland in the long term
anticonvulsant effects of external artificial magnetic stimulation.
PMID: 1787045
175.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Sep;60(1-2):21-6.
Zinc deficiency and cerebellar disease.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1774146
176.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Sep;60(1-2):17-20.
The relationship of limbic epilepsy to pineal melatonin functions.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1774145
177.
Med Hypotheses. 1991 Sep;36(1):95-7.
Deranged modulatory midbrain opioid and gonadotrophin functions: relevance to Tourette’s syndrome.
Sandyk R1, Awerbuch G, Kwo-On-Yuen PF, Bamford CR.
Abstract
In the following communication we discuss evidence suggesting that an
abnormal opioid-gonadotrophin interaction at the midbrain may be
essential to the clinical expression of vocal tics in Tourette’s
Syndrome (TS). Data derived from animal studies and the striking
similarity between the symptomatology of TS and encephalitis lethargica
(EL) add further support to our hypothesis implicating an abnormal
opioid-gonadotrophin interaction in the pathophysiology of TS.
PMID: 1766421
178.
Schizophr Res. 1991 Sep;5(2):177-9.
Haloperidol-sensitive sigma receptor and the role of the pineal gland in dystonia.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1657121
179.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Aug;59(4):267-70.
Coexisting bipolar affective disorder and multiple sclerosis: the role of the pineal gland.
Sandyk R.
PMID: 1955288
180.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Aug;59(4):259-62.
Age-related disruption of circadian rhythms: possible relationship to
memory impairment and implications for therapy with magnetic fields.
Sandyk R1, Anninos PA, Tsagas N.
Abstract
Disorganization of circadian rhythms, a hallmark of aging, may be
related causally to the progressive deterioration of memory functions in
senescence and possibly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In experimental
animals, disruption of circadian rhythms produces retrograde amnesia by
interfering with the circadian organization of memory processes. The
circadian system is known to be synchronized to external 24 h
periodicities of ambient light by a neural pathway extending from the
retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior
hypothalamus. There is also evidence that the earth’s magnetic field is a
time cue (“Zeitgeber”) of circadian organization and that shielding of
the ambient magnetic field leads to disorganization of the circadian
rhythms in humans. Since aging is associated with a delay of the
circadian rhythm phase, and since light, which phase advances circadian
rhythms, mimics the effects of magnetic fields on melatonin secretion,
we postulate that application of magnetic fields might improve memory
functions in the elderly as a result of resynchronization of the
circadian rhythms. Moreover, since the circadian rhythm organization is
more severely disrupted in patients with AD, it is possible that
magnetic treatment might prove useful also in improving memory functions
in these patients. If successful, application of magnetic fields might
open new avenues in the management of memory disturbances in the elderly
and possibly in AD.
PMID: 1955287
181.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Aug;59(4):263-6.
Magnetic fields and the habenular complex.
Sandyk R, Anninos PA, Tsagas N.
PMID: 1683343
182.
Schizophr Res. 1991 Jul-Aug;5(1):85-6.
Pineal calcification in schizophrenia. Relationship to age of onset and tardive dyskinesia.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1854679
183.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Jun;58(3-4):261-7.
Magnetic fields and seasonality of affective illness: implications for therapy.
Sandyk R1, Anninos PA, Tsagas N.
Abstract
Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by recurrent winter
depression associated with hypersomnia, overeating, and carbohydrate
craving. The severe form of winter depression affects about 5% of the
general population and is believed to be caused by light deficiency.
About 70%-80% of patients with winter depression experience attenuation
of symptoms when exposed to bright light therapy. Hypotheses pertaining
to the pathogenesis of winter depression implicate the effects of light
on different characteristics of circadian rhythms. One of the
environmental factors which may be implicated, in addition to light, in
the pathophysiology of winter depression is the geomagnetic field. There
is strong indication that the pineal gland is a magnetosensitive system
and that changes in the ambient magnetic field alter melatonin
secretion and synchronize the circadian rhythms. In man, shielding of
the ambient magnetic field significantly desynchronizes circadian
rhythms which could be gradually resynchronized after application of
magnetic fields. The strength of the environmental magnetic field
diminishes during the winter months, leading to increased susceptibility
for desynchronization of circadian rhythms. Thus, since the acute
application of magnetic fields in experimental animals resembles that of
acute exposure to light with respect to melatonin secretion (i.e.,
suppression of melatonin secretion), magnetic treatment might be
beneficial for patients with winter depression. In addition, since the
environmental light and magnetic fields, which undergo diurnal and
seasonal variations, influence the activity of the pineal gland, we
propose that a synergistic effect of light and magnetic therapy in
patients with winter depression would be more physiological and,
therefore, superior to phototherapy alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250
WORDS)
PMID: 1365047
184.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Jun;58(3-4):215-47.
The relationship of pineal calcification and melatonin secretion to the
pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia and Tourette’s syndrome.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Despite current intensive research, the pathophysiology of tardive
dyskinesia (TD), a serious neurological side effect of neuroleptic
treatment, is poorly understood. Prompted by the observation of an
increased incidence and severity of abnormal perioral movements in
neuroleptic-treated pinealectomized, as compared to intact rats, we
suggested that the pineal gland exerts a protective effect which
mitigates against the development of TD and, by inference, that reduced
melatonin secretion may be related to the pathophysiology of TD. To
investigate this proposition further, we studied the association of TD
with pineal calcification (PC) on CT scan in chronic schizophrenic
patients. Our findings revealed a significant association between TD and
PC and suggest, furthermore, that PC may be a neuroradiological marker
of TD. Since PC may reflect diminished secretory activity of the gland,
these findings support the hypothesis that the pathophysiology of TD is
linked to disturbances of melatonin secretion. The clinical and
therapeutic implications of these novel findings are discussed. In the
following communication, in which we introduce the hypothesis that
disturbances of 5-HT and melatonin secretion are related to the
pathophysiology of TD. Subsequently, we present a series of studies
which relate to the association of TD with PC. We conclude by presenting
the hypothesis that disturbances in melatonin secretion may also be
relevant to the pathophysiology of Tourette’s syndrome.
PMID: 1365044
185.
Lancet. 1991 May 4;337(8749):1103-4.
Seasonal panic disorder responsive to light therapy.
Kanofsky JD, Sandyk R, Kaplan S, Yaryura-Tobias JA.
PMID: 1673531
186.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 May;58(1-2):83-93.
Neuroradiological facets of cognitive abnormality in schizophrenia.
Kay SR1, Sandyk R, Merriam AE.
Abstract
Cognitive abnormality has long been regarded as a core feature of
schizophrenia, but its nature and etiopathology have been poorly
understood. Predicated on new tests that characterize fundamental
cognitive impairments, we investigated their relationship to four
neuroradiological markers that have been previously implicated in
schizophrenia: choroid plexus calcification, cerebellar atrophy, third
ventricle enlargement, and pineal calcification. Twenty-three chronic
schizophrenic inpatients meeting RDC and DSM-III diagnostic criteria
were stabilized on chlorpromazine and assessed independently on a
cognitive battery and on CT scan. The results indicated that all four
neuroradiological variables were independent of one another and of
demographic, historical, and general intellectual measures. The
neuroradiological assessments, however, correlated significantly with
different cognitive parameters, implying separate pathophysiological
bases for distinct profiles of cognitive abnormality. The findings
support a “dual-process model” of cognitive dysfunction that posits
developmental and arousal-related components which may, more generally,
underlie the positive-negative dimension of schizophrenia.
PMID: 1938177
187.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 May;58(1-2):7-53.
Neuroradiological covariates of drug-induced parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Computed tomographic (CT) studies have demonstrated structural brain
abnormalities including cortical atrophy and enlarged lateral ventricles
in a subset of schizophrenic patients including those with abnormal
involuntary movements. In the following series of studies, we present
our findings pertaining to neuroradiological covariates of drug-induced
Parkinsonism and Tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenic patients. In these
studies we have explored the relationship of Parkinsonism and Tardive
dyskinesia to pineal and choroid plexus calcification. In addition, we
also investigated the relationship of pineal calcification to
schizophrenia, and specifically to the paranoid and nonparanoid
subgroups. In a further series of studies, we investigated the
neuroradiological covariates of disorders of gait and posture as well as
tremor in schizophrenic patients with drug-induced Parkinsonism. In
addition, we explored the relationship of Tardive dyskinesia and its
subsyndromes to CT scan measurements of cortical and subcortical atrophy
in schizophrenia. Our findings highlight the significance of the pineal
gland in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and drug-induced movement
disorders. Furthermore, these studies underscore the heterogeneity of
Parkinsonism and Tardive dyskinesia.
PMID: 1938176
188.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 May;58(1-2):69-82.
Experimental models of schizophrenia.
Kay SR1, Sandyk R.
Abstract
The Kraepelinian subtypes, developed early in the century, recognize
the heterogeneity of schizophrenia but do not reliably predict
differences in response to classical neuroleptics. The newer distinction
of positive and negative syndromes in schizophrenia carry promise as an
approach to identifying meaningful clinical and neurobiological
dimensions. The present review summarizes the supportive evidence from a
series of investigations using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
(PANSS), and a hypothesis on the pathophysiology of negative and
positive symptoms is advanced. Our data suggest that: (a) positive and
negative syndromes in schizophrenia represent stable, independent
dimensions and not co-exclusive subtypes; (b) both are unrelated to the
progression of illness; (c) they are differentially related to
fundamental aspects of schizophrenia, including premorbid adjustment,
cognitive development, family psychiatric history, the cognitive and
neuropsychiatric profiles, dopaminergic functions, drug response, and
subsequent course; (d) together with depression and excitement, they
comprise the fundamental symptomatic components of schizophrenia, which,
in their interaction, can account for the specific Kraepelinian
subtypes. We have proposed that negative symptoms represent the core
pathology in schizophrenia and may be understood as a variant of
parkinsonism, hence characterized by dopaminergic deficiency and
increased cholinergic activity. This view is supported by the striking
overlap with Parkinsonism in regard to clinical features,
neurochemistry, pharmacology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology.
Positive symptoms are thought to reflect increased dopaminergic
activity, which may arise as a compensatory adaptive mechanism to
overcome the progressive dopamine loss in the maturing brain. The early
onset of schizophrenia by comparison to Parkinson’s disease may explain
why schizophrenia entails more pronounced positive symptoms, development
deficits, and cognitive, social, and emotional impairments. We describe
evidence that pineal calcification, which may reflect disturbance of
melatonin functions, appears to be a nongenetic factor in schizophrenia
associated with perinatal injury. This may in part underlie the negative
syndrome and its response to antipsychotic compounds with serotonergic
(5-HT) antagonism.
PMID: 1938175
189.
Funct Neurol. 1991 Apr-Jun;6(2):151-7.
Drug-induced parkinsonism: relationship to age at onset of schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
On the basis of the association of negative schizophrenia with
parkinsonism and early age of onset, we predicted that the latter two
would covary, as reflecting a similar pathological process. To test this
prediction, we studied in 40 neuroleptic-treated female schizophrenic
patients with drug-induced movement disorders the association of age at
onset with drug-induced parkinsonism and, for comparison, also with
persistent tardive dyskinesia (TD) and acute drug-induced dystonia. We
found that onset of schizophrenia during adolescence, significantly
predicted the presence of parkinsonism but, by contrast, was unrelated
to TD and acute drug-induced dystonia. Our findings suggest a specific
association between early age at onset of schizophrenia and
parkinsonism, implying that the former may be a risk factor for
parkinsonism. The significance of these findings to the pathophysiology
of negative schizophrenia and parkinsonism are discussed.
PMID: 1680777
190.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Apr;57(3-4):269-71.
Suicidal behavior and tardive dyskinesia.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1938170
191.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Apr;57(3-4):259-62.
Tobacco addiction as a marker of age at onset of schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogenous disorder, with diversity in symptoms,
course, prognosis, and probably etiology. The timing of its onset (i.e.,
early vs. late) not only predicts outcome of illness, but also
corresponds to fundamental neurochemical and neuroendocrine
distinctions. There is recent evidence that early age at onset of
schizophrenia is associated with more prominent negative symptoms, which
are associated with decreased dopaminergic functions in the limbic
system. Since addictive behaviour may be related to decreased dopamine
activity in the mesolimbic reward circuitry, we predict a higher
prevalence of tobacco addiction in patients with an earlier age at onset
of schizophrenia. To investigate this hypothesis, we studied the
association of cigarette smoking to age at onset of illness in a sample
of 142 chronic schizophrenic inpatients, 73 of whom were smokers. We
found that patients who smoked had a significantly earlier age at onset
of psychiatric illness as compared to the nonsmokers (p less than .01).
Since damage to dopaminergic systems at the lateral hypothalamic level
of the medial forebrain bundle and in the ventral tegmental reward
system produces the strongest indication of reward, our data suggest
that alterations in dopaminergic functions in these systems may be
linked to the timing of onset of schizophrenic symptoms.
PMID: 1938168
192.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Apr;57(3-4):205-12.
Atrophy of the cerebellar vermis: relevance to the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR, Merriam AE.
Abstract
Degeneration of the cerebellar vermis is a common pathological and
neuroradiological feature of chronic schizophrenia, but its relationship
to symptoms of the disease are poorly understood. We investigated the
relationship of vermal cerebellar atrophy on CT scan to features of
positive (productive) and negative (defect) dimensions of schizophrenia
as well as to symptoms of general psychopathology in a sample of 23
chronic schizophrenic patients. For comparison, we also studied the
relationship of third ventricular width (TVW), which reflects
periventricular and diencephalic atrophy, to these features of
schizophrenic symptomatology. Vermal cerebellar atrophy was found in
43.5% of patients and correlated significantly with general
psychopathology and, more specifically, with feelings of guilt and
disturbance of volition. It was unrelated to global positive or negative
features of schizophrenia. By contrast, TVW was uniquely associated
with global negative syndrome. These observations indicate that
degeneration of the cerebellar vermis and enlargement of the third
ventricle are integral aspects of schizophrenia, and that each
contributes independently to specific clinical aspects of the disease.
PMID: 1938163
193.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Apr;57(3-4):179-91.
The relationship of pineal calcification to cortical atrophy in schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Several recent computed tomographic (CT) studies have provided evidence
for structural cerebral abnormalities in schizophrenia. CT scan
findings included enlargement of the lateral cerebral ventricles,
cortical atrophy, third ventricular dilatation, ventricular asymmetry,
and cerebellar atrophy. In addition, there is increasing data to suggest
that abnormal pineal melatonin functions are associated with the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia. To explore further the relationship of
the pineal gland to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and its
specific association with structural abnormalities, we investigated: (a)
the relationship of pineal calcification (PC) to computerized
tomographic (CT) scan measurements of cortical and subcortical atrophy
in 41 chronic schizophrenic patients, and (b) the relationship of PC
size to CT scan measurements and cortical and subcortical atrophy in 51
chronic schizophrenic patients. Results of the first study revealed that
the presence of PC was significantly associated with measurements of
prefrontal cortical atrophy (p less than .01), while there was no
association with measurements of parieto-occipital atrophy, sulcal
prominence, or ventricular brain ratio (VBR). These findings support the
notion that the various structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia
may reflect different pathological processes and that abnormal pineal
melatonin functions may be associated with the pathophysiology of
prefrontal cortical atrophy. In addition, since some clinical facets of
schizophrenia covary with frontal lobe dysfunction, our findings
highlight the significance of abnormal pineal functions for the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In the second study we found a
significantly higher prevalence of pathologically enlarged PC (i.e.,
greater than 1 cm in diameter) in schizophrenia as compared to controls
of similar age. In addition, we found a significant association between
CT scan measurements of cortical atrophy and pathologically enlarged PC
size (p less than .05). By contrast, PC size was unrelated to VBR. These
findings demonstrate a specific association between pathologically
enlarged PC and cortical atrophy in schizophrenia. The implications of
these findings to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and,
specifically, to the morphological abnormalities that accompany the
disease are discussed.
PMID: 1938161
194.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Mar;57(1-2):95-7.
Choroid plexus calcification: a biological marker of suicidality.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1938159
195.
Eur Neurol. 1991;31(6):348-51.
Relapsing lumbosacral plexus neuropathy. Report of two cases.
Awerbuch GI1, Nigro MA, Sandyk R, Levin JR.
Abstract
Primary lumbosacral plexus neuropathy (LSPN) is a well-defined syndrome
characterized by pain, weakness and atrophy in the distribution of the
lumbosacral plexus. Previous reports of LSPN have stressed the benign
nature of the syndrome. Patients generally have a nearly complete
recovery in months to years following the initial event. Two patients
presenting with a relapsing form of LSPN are reported. The diagnosis of
LSPN was based on clinical and electromyographic features, and no
underlying cause was found on initial evaluation or subsequent follow-up
over a 6- to 8-year period. We suggest that these patients represent a
clinically and possibly pathologically distinct subgroup of LSPN.
PMID: 1661676
196.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Jan-Feb;56(1-4):209-14.
“Down regulation” of 5-HT2 receptors: possible role of melatonin and significance for negative schizophrenia.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1938138
Select item 1938137
197.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Jan-Feb;56(1-4):201-5, 207-8.
Analgesic nitrous oxide in alcohol withdrawal: the role of melatonin.
Sandyk R.
Comment on
Analgesic nitrous oxide for alcohol withdrawal is better than placebo. [Int J Neurosci. 1989]
Analgesic nitrous oxide in neuropsychiatry: past, present and future. [Int J Neurosci. 1989]
PMID: 1938137
198.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Jan-Feb;56(1-4):107-39.
The relationship of tardive dyskinesia to positive schizophrenia.
Sandyk R1, Kay SR.
Abstract
Investigations aimed at identifying the clinical characteristics that
discriminate Tardive dyskinesia (TD) from non-TD patients have yielded
disparate findings. A number of studies have suggested that TD may be a
feature of negative schizophrenia. In particular, the association of TD
with high prevalence of “soft” neurological signs, cognitive deficits,
and abnormal brain morphology on CT scan in some patients, have led
several investigators to propose that negative schizophrenia may be a
risk factor for TD. The neurochemical profile of TD, however, is not
consistent with this hypothesis. In the following communication, we
present our studies which suggest that TD is specific to and an
intergral part of positive schizophrenia. The data suggest that
schizophrenic patients with predominant positive symptoms may be at
increased risk for the development of TD. In addition, we present
evidence linking TD with left cerebral hemispheric dysfunction. By
comparison, we provide evidence that negative schizophrenia is related
to diencephalic damage, and discuss its relevance to negative
schizophrenia and to Parkinsonism. We also provide evidence that
negative schizophrenia may be a risk factor for acute drug-induced
dystonia. Thus, these findings are consistent with our model that
negative schizophrenia is a risk factor for Parkinsonism, whereas
positive schizophrenia is related to TD. In analogy with the
positive/negative dichotomy of schizophrenia, we propose that TD could
be considered a “positive,” where Parkinsonism a “negative” movement
disorder.
PMID: 1938127
199.
Int J Neurosci. 1991 Jan-Feb;56(1-4):215-8.
Role of androgens in tardive dyskinesia.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 1682283
200.
Schizophr Res. 1991 Jan-Feb;4(1):59-61.
Melatonin as a mediator of atypical antipsychotic drug effects.
Sandyk R, Kay SR.
PMID: 2009255
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