#1236: Implications of the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices
I was sent a copy of the MIT paper and the exposure metric used in the MIT study (last message # 1235) was from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device (see below), so the exposures in this study were far greater than that one would receive when using a cellphone or Blue Tooth headset. The TMS device was applied at 70% of the stimulator’s maximum output (magnetic field) for 25 minutes and the frequency was 1 Hertz.
However there are two important implications from this study.
1) The study has identified a brain structure, the right temporo-parietal junction, that is in very close proximity to a cell phone antenna when held against the right side of the head. It also indicates that this structure is sensitive to strong ELF EMF magnetic fields. Will a similar effect be found for prolonged exposure to near-field electric and magnetic fields when a cellphone antenna is held against the right side of the head? I have seen an MRI scan of a cell phone user with severe migraine headaches that only started after she started using a cell phone. Suspecting a possible brain tumour, her doctor arranged for an MRI scan. The scan showed no sign of a tumour but that the meninges membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord was inflamed underneath where the phone was held. Her doctor considered that the only thing that could have caused this was her cellphone. (Her headaches subsided once she stopped using the cell phone). This one example indicated that a clear thermal effect was taking place at levels in excess of the RF standard limits. How would such exposure on a regular basis affect the the right temporo-parietal junction?
Thus, it is certainly worthwhile as a precaution to find out if a similar effect is also found from near-field microwave exposure by a cell phone when held next to the right side of the head.
“TMS. (From the MIT study)
Offline TMS sessions took place at the Berenson””Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and the Harvard””Thorndike General Clinical Research Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. We used a Magstim SuperRapid biphasic stimulator and a commercially available, aircooled, eight-shaped, 70-mm coil (MagStim Corporation). The intensity of stimulation was 70% of the stimulator”™s maximum output for all subjects; the frequency was 1 Hz, and the duration was 25 min. The coil was oriented in the anteroposterior axis with the handle pointing posteriorly. In most subjects, low-frequency TMS leads to a disruption of activity in the stimulated brain region outlasting the duration of TMS (51, 52).”
2) The U.S. military is researching the use of TMS on military combat personnel to counter the effects of battlefield sleep deprivation. Considering that a ‘side effect’ can be to alter people’s moral judgements imagine the possible consequences in a combat situation if TMS devices become regularly used to”improve” the warfighter’s capabilities. From DARPA’s perspective this should be investigated.
From the DARPA Defense Sciences Office: website: http://www.darpa.mil/dso/archives/psd/index.htm
Preventing Sleep Deprivation
Preventing Sleep Deprivation LogoSleep deprivation is a fact of modern combat. Current operations depend upon the warfighter”™s ability to function for extended periods of time without adequate sleep. The widespread operational demand for optimal performance in sleep-depriving conditions demonstrates the necessity for development of methods to safely combat sleep deprivation and to prevent the associated degradation of performance.
The goal of the Preventing Sleep Deprivation program is to define and implement approaches to prevent the harmful effects of sleep deprivation, and to provide methods for recovery of function with particular emphasis on cognitive and psychomotor impairments. Among the approaches currently under investigation include novel pharmaceuticals that enhance neural transmission, nutraceuticals that promote neurogenesis, cognitive training, and devices such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. The approaches discovered in this program will greatly increase our soldiers”™ ability to function more safely and effectively despite the prolonged wakefulness inherent in current operations.
Shades of the Universal Soldier…
Don
Leave a reply →