Magnet therapy to help stroke patients

Dr. Cathrin Buetefisch said it used to be a common belief that the brain could not repair itself. But recent research has proven otherwise.

Buetefisch has recently received a $1 million grant for this research to help stroke patients regain their motor skills. This is a strong development in this direction. Buetefisch uses a coil surrounded by an invisible magnetic field. It's put on the head of the patients and this stimulates the brain tissue to remember how to make physical movements.

The magnets used in this therapy are only effective if the damage is on the brain's surface. Buetefisch said the magnet treatment won't replace physical therapy for stroke patients.