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Local Exposure of Brain Central Areas to a Pulsed ELF Magnetic Field for a Purposeful Change in EEG.

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Amirifalah Z, Firoozabadi SM, Shafiei SA. · 2013

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Weak magnetic fields at 200 μT can alter brain activity by up to 27%, showing our brains respond to everyday-level electromagnetic exposures.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed 10 women to weak magnetic fields targeting brain regions for 9 minutes. The exposure reduced specific brainwave activity by 12-27% after treatment ended. This suggests targeted magnetic fields could potentially help treat conditions like anxiety by calming overactive brain areas.

Why This Matters

This study demonstrates that even relatively weak magnetic field exposures can measurably alter brain function in healthy individuals. The 200 μT exposure level used here is comparable to what you might encounter near some household appliances or power lines, though the pulsed nature and targeted application make direct comparisons challenging. What's particularly noteworthy is that the brain changes persisted after the exposure ended, suggesting these fields can have lasting neurological effects. While the researchers frame their findings as potentially therapeutic, the reality is that any technology capable of altering brain activity raises important questions about unintended exposures from our increasingly electromagnetic environment. The science demonstrates that our brains are sensitive to these fields at levels we encounter in daily life.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0.2 mG
Source/Device
10, 14, and 18 Hz
Exposure Duration
9 minutes

Exposure Context

This study used 0.2 mG for magnetic fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.2 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Slight Concern rangeFCC limit is 10,000x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 18 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 18 HzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

This study examines the simultaneous exposure of 2 brain areas in the location of central electrodes (C3 and C4) to a weak and pulsed extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on the electroencephalogram (EEG).

The intent is to change the EEG for a therapeutic application, such as neurofeedback, by inducing th...

The paired t test revealed that local pulsed ELF-MF significantly decreases beta (15-25 Hz), sensori...

The study suggests that this technique may be applied in the treatment of anxiety; however, further investigation is needed.

Cite This Study
Amirifalah Z, Firoozabadi SM, Shafiei SA. (2013). Local Exposure of Brain Central Areas to a Pulsed ELF Magnetic Field for a Purposeful Change in EEG. Clin EEG Neurosci. 44(1):44-52, 2013.
Show BibTeX
@article{z_2013_local_exposure_of_brain_219,
  author = {Amirifalah Z and Firoozabadi SM and Shafiei SA.},
  title = {Local Exposure of Brain Central Areas to a Pulsed ELF Magnetic Field for a Purposeful Change in EEG.},
  year = {2013},
  doi = {10.1177/1550059412460164},
  url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1550059412460164},
}
DOI: 10.1177/1550059412460164

Cited By (18 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, magnetic fields can affect brain waves. A 2013 study found that weak pulsed magnetic fields reduced specific brainwave activity by 12-27% in women after 9 minutes of exposure. The effects occurred in brain regions associated with anxiety and stress responses.
ELF magnetic fields can change brain activity patterns. Research showed that 10 Hz pulsed magnetic fields significantly decreased beta, sensorimotor rhythm, and theta brainwave powers in targeted brain regions. These changes persisted after the magnetic field exposure ended.
Low frequency magnetic field exposure isn't necessarily harmful to your brain. One study found that targeted weak magnetic fields actually reduced overactive brainwave patterns, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like anxiety rather than negative health effects.
Pulsed magnetic fields can calm specific brain regions by reducing electrical activity. A study targeting brain areas with 10 Hz magnetic fields found 12-27% decreases in certain brainwave frequencies, suggesting these fields might help treat anxiety disorders.
Magnetic therapy may reduce anxiety-related brain waves. Research found that targeted magnetic field exposure decreased beta and theta brainwave activity in brain regions linked to anxiety. However, researchers note that further investigation is needed before clinical applications.