Magnetic Marvels: The Impact of Magnets in the Medical Arena -

Introduction

Magnets are used in a wide variety of applications, from homes to businesses. You can find it on your refrigerator or on your mobile phone. These magnetic devices generate, use, or detect magnetic fields in traditional medical and defense industries. Let us focus on magnets in the medical field through the following concrete examples. We hope that you will deepen your understanding of these magnetic devices.

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive technique that produces precise images of the human body’s organs, bones, and tissues for medical diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Since the 1970s, MRI has been used to detect abnormal tissue and tumors, saving thousands of lives.

Figure 1. Basic Compartment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI System

An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the human body.

The protons in the human body are randomly arranged.
When the MRI scanner generates a strong magnetic field, all the normal protons in the patient’s body are evenly aligned.
Then, the magnetic device emits radio waves, and all the misaligned protons change their alignment.
When the radio is turned off, a corresponding signal is sent back to the MRI scanner.
The patient receives images of the body part for examination and further treatment.

2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to a study published in Nature in July 2020. [2] This study included a group of 40 Parkinson’s disease patients with gait disturbance (FOG). A second group consisted of her 31 patients without freezing and a control group of her 30 healthy individuals. Ultimately, they concluded that rTMS alleviated FOG by normalizing brain connectivity, thereby alleviating other symptoms.

Figure 2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is also used to treat a variety of neurological disorders. TMS has magnetic fields that are used to stimulate the brain to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also used to relieve stroke, migraines, and dementia.

3. Magnetic Therapy

There are a number of magnetic therapies available for treating arthritis pain, headaches, insomnia, and more. These magneto therapy devices can also be used for inflammatory diseases and wound healing.

The use of magnetic field therapy began quite early. For example, in ancient China, magnets were used for acupuncture points. Natural magnetic minerals were used in the Middle Ages. Today, therapeutic magnetic belts, belts, mats, and pillows are available worldwide. FDA-approved pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF) is also commercially available. But if conventional medicine doesn’t help, don’t forget to use these FDA-approved magnetic field therapies.

4. Magnetic Drug Delivery

Magnetic drug delivery is of great importance in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Reliable magnetic devices could treat these ailments more effectively and with fewer side effects.

Recently, many cutting-edge magnetic devices have appeared. For example, magnetic nanoparticles are being developed for local drug delivery for cancer therapy. These nanoparticles can transport drugs to precise locations, release drugs and immobilize the particles.

5. Dentistry

Magnets are a commonly used material in orthodontics. In dentistry, they are most commonly used to support the retention of dentures and overdentures. Recently, rare-earth magnets have proven effective in denture attachment and coercion systems for tooth realignment. Small magnets are also used in dental instruments. Stanford Magnets is a reliable supplier of magnets of various types and shapes. You can choose magnets suitable for dental equipment. If you are interested, please contact us.

Conclusion

Magnets are widely used in medical fields such as magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic therapy, drug delivery, and dentistry. Stanford Magnets has extensive experience in manufacturing permanent magnets. If you want to know more about magnets, please visit the homepage.