Surgery – Magnetic field applied to body for therapy – Electromagnetic coil
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-20
2001-05-22
Lacyk, John P. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Magnetic field applied to body for therapy
Electromagnetic coil
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234953
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to magnetic fields and in particular, to the use of specifically designed low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (Cnps) for modifying a variety of clinical physiological and neurological behaviors and conditions in vertebrates and invertebrates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Diverse studies have shown that the behavioral, cellular and physiological functions of animals can be affected by magnetic stimuli. Weak magnetic fields exert a variety of biological effects ranging from alterations in cellular ion flux to modifications of animal orientation and leaming, and therapeutic actions in humans. A number of magnetic field exposures have been shown to reduce exogenous opiate (e.g. morphine) and endogenous opioid peptide (e.g. endorphin) mediated analgesia in various species, including humans (Kavaliers & Ossenkopp 1991; Prato et al., 1987; Betancur et al., 1994; Kavaliers et al., 1994; Del Seppia et al., 1995; and Papi et al., 1995). As well, extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposures are reported to modify homing pigeon behavior (Papi et al., 1992) and spatial learning in rodents (Kavaliers et al., 1993, 1996) in a manner consistent with alterations in opioid function.
There are several theories addressing the mechanism of the effect of low frequency magnetic field exposure on tissues. For example, low frequency magnetic field exposures have been proposed to exert their effect(s) through the induction of electric currents (Polk 1992; and Weaver & Astumian 1990). Weak magnetic fields have also been proposed to be detected by particles of magnetite in tissue and by virtue of this detection have a physiological effect (Kirschvink & Walker 1985); however, this magnetite based mechanism is not widely believed (Prato et al., 1996).
Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are a physical agent which have little attenuation in tissue and therefore, can be used to alter endogenous processes provided they can be detected and their detection can be coupled to a physiological process. It is now shown that magnetic fields may be designed as time varying signals such that they can be used to alter specific targeted physiological processes and in this manner can be used to treat/modify various neurological and physiological conditions and behaviors. It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide novel specific low frequency pulsed magnetic fields having a plurality of intermittent wavefonns for use to treat a variety of physiological, neurological and behavioral disorders in both vertebrates and in invertebrates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The applicants have now designed and characterized complex low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (Cnps) and their effects on physiological, neurological and behavioral conditions. The low frequency pulsed magnetic fields are specifically designed to target and alter complex neuroelectromagnetic applications and permit the development of therapeutic strategies in order to treat and/or alter various physiological, neurological and behavioral disorders.
Broadly stated, the present invention relates to complex low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (Cnps) which are designed and used as a therapeutic treatment for disorders and behaviors including: alleviation of pain and anxiety; restoration of balance; improved leaming; treatment of epilepsy; and depression; and for moderating eating habits.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a therapeutic method for treating physiological, neurological and behavioral disorders, the treatment comprising: subjecting a mammal to a specific low frequency pulsed magnetic field having a plurality of waveforms designed with a length and frequency relative to the target tissue intermittent with a built-in variable latency period and a fixed refractory period, for a time effective to produce a desired physiological effect.
The method of the present invention if not completely, at least partially, averts the development of tolerance which is typical with repeated administrations of analgesic drugs and in particular, opioids. The method also decreases the need to use pharmacological agents to treat and alleviate various physiological, neurological and behavioral conditions. In addition, the low frequency pulsed magnetic fields can be designed with specific waveforms to target specific tissues to affect different physiological functions without presentation of unwanted side effects.
Other objects, features and advantages of tie present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5935054 (1999-08-01), Loos
Kavaliers Martin I.
Persinger Michael A.
Prato Frank S.
Thomas Alex W.
Alston & Bird LLP
Cadugan Joseph
Lacyk John P.
Lawson Research Institute
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