Convulsive threshold in humans and rats and magnetic field changes: observations during total solar eclipse

Neurosci Lett. 1981 Mar 10;22(2):205-8. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(81)90089-6.

Abstract

Convulsive thresholds were measured in 26 psychiatric patients who were receiving electroconvulsive treatment, and in 8 rats subjects to electroconvulsive shocks, during the recent the recent total solar eclipse day (February 16th, 1980) and on control days. Our results showed that there was a significant reduction in the convulsive thresholds of both humans and rats at the time of solar eclipse, probably occurring due to the observed geomagnetic field variation of 19 Gammas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Astronomy*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy*
  • Electroshock
  • Humans
  • Magnetics*
  • Rats
  • Seizures / physiopathology*