Trials find electromagnetic pulses aid stroke recovery

The University of Cincinnati's Joseph Broderick, MD, was featured in a U.S. News & World Report article commenting on new research being presented at the International Stroke Conference that found stroke survivors might benefit from electromagnetic pulses that stimulate their brains and spur on their recovery.

Led by Jeffrey Saver of UCLA, researchers combined data from two studies testing the effectiveness of electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy that stimulates brain networks related to motor movement, cognitive function and other activities.

In the trials, more than a third of the 65 patients treated with ENTF experienced freedom from disability, the study found.

Broderick, professor in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine, senior adviser at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, director of the NIH StrokeNet National Coordinating Center and an American Stroke Association spokesperson, said at least one large-scale trial will be needed to confirm results.

“The results are preliminary, highlighting the need for larger trials with balanced participant groups to assess the therapy’s effectiveness,” Broderick, said. “ENTF showed no safety issues, and there’s a strong demand for new recovery methods post-stroke."

Read the U.S. News & World Report article. 

Featured photo at top of Dr. Broderick. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/University of Cincinnati