Two of three patients with multiple chemical sensitivity had less symptoms and secondary hyperalgesia after transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Scandinavian journal of pain · 2014 · Mixed · Very low evidence

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MixedVery low evidencePaper 2997

In an open case study of three MCS patients receiving transcranially applied PEMF, two patients showed considerable improvement on measures of MCS-related symptoms/functional impairments, depressive symptoms, and capsaicin-induced secondary punctate hyperalge…

Study snapshot

PublicationScandinavian journal of pain · 2014

Study typecase_report

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingVery low

Abstract

Background Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic, disabling condition characterized by recurrent multisystem symptoms triggered by common airborne chemicals. Evidence points towards abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system (CNS) as a likely pathophysiological mechanism. No effective treatment has yet been reported, but clinical observations suggest that as pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) is a treatment for some CNS disorders (depression and chronic pain), it may also be a treatment modality for MCS. Methods In an open case study, the effects of PEMF were assessed in three MCS patients. All cases received 30 min daily treatment 5 days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Symptoms and functional impairments related to MCS, depressive symptoms, and capsaicin-induced secondary punctate hyperalgesia were assessed at baseline and weekly until an 18-week follow-up. Results Two of the three cases showed considerable improvement on all measures of symptoms and functional impairments related to MCS in response to PEMF therapy. One case showed no improvement and during the treatment period was unexpectedly diagnosed with depression. Conclusion Our findings indicate potential benefits of PEMF therapy in MCS. Implication The therapeutic effect of PEMF in MCS needs to be investigated by a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecase_report

Effect directionmixed

PopulationPatients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)

Sample size3

Exposure30 min daily, 5 days/week for 8 consecutive weeks; follow-up to 18 weeks

Evidence strengthVery lowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

MCS-related symptoms
MCS-related functional impairments
Depressive symptoms
Capsaicin-induced secondary punctate hyperalgesia

Limitations

Open case study design (no randomization/placebo control)
Very small sample size (n=3)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "case_report",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "30 min daily, 5 days/week for 8 consecutive weeks; follow-up to 18 weeks"
  },
  "population": "Patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)",
  "sample_size": 3,
  "outcomes": [
    "MCS-related symptoms",
    "MCS-related functional impairments",
    "Depressive symptoms",
    "Capsaicin-induced secondary punctate hyperalgesia"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In an open case study of three MCS patients receiving transcranially applied PEMF, two patients showed considerable improvement on measures of MCS-related symptoms/functional impairments, depressive symptoms, and capsaicin-induced secondary punctate hyperalgesia. One patient showed no improvement and was unexpectedly diagnosed with depression during the treatment period.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Open case study design (no randomization/placebo control)",
    "Very small sample size (n=3)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "very_low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "multiple chemical sensitivity",
    "MCS",
    "pulsed electromagnetic fields",
    "PEMF",
    "transcranial",
    "central nervous system",
    "depression",
    "chronic pain",
    "secondary hyperalgesia",
    "capsaicin"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2013.11.008
PubMed: 29913674

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