Randomised, placebo-controlled trial of transcranial pulsed EMF in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity

Authors: Tran MT, Skovbjerg S, Arendt-Nielsen L, Christensen KB, Elberling J

Year: 2016 Dec 6

Category: Neuropsychiatry

Journal: Acta Neuropsychiatr

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27919300

Abstract

Overview

This study evaluates the efficacy of transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on functional impairments and the severity of symptoms in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients. Conducted nationwide in Denmark, it employed a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled design.

Methods

  • Randomized, parallel-group design
  • Double-blind and placebo-controlled trial setting
  • Estimate sample size of 40 participants
  • Participants aged 18-75 years meeting MCS criteria
  • Duration of treatment: 6 weeks of PEMF or placebo (no stimulation)

Findings

A total of 39 participants were randomized either to the PEMF or the placebo group. The main outcomes measured were:

  • Life Impact Scale (LIS) from the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI)
  • Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Chemical Intolerance Scale from QEESI

No significant change was observed in the LIS between the two groups; however, there was a notable decrease in SSS within and between groups, indicating a reduction in symptom severity due to PEMF treatment.

Conclusion

While PEMF treatment did not significantly affect functional impairments in MCS patients, it effectively reduced symptom severity over the 6-week period.

PEMF multiple chemical sensitivity randomized trial symptom severity placebo-controlled transcranial magnetic stimulation
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