Reversal of A Visuoconstructional Deficit in Parkinson's Disease by Application of External Magnetic Fields: A Report of Five Cases

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 picotesia range intensity magnetic fields may bring about reversal of specific cognitive deficits in Parkinsonian patients.

Keywords:

• Magnetic fields
• Parkinson's disease
• visuoconstructional functions
• bicycle drawing.