Attenuation of interleukin-1beta by pulsed electromagnetic fields after traumatic brain injury

► Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) mediates the inflammatory response after brain injury. ► We explored whether PEMF signals could alter IL-1β levels in brain-injured rats. ► IL-1β levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlated with contusive impact energy. ► PEMF signals reduced IL-1β in CSF 6 h after contusive brain injury. ► PEMF signals reduced IL-1β in CSF 17-24 h after penetrating brain injury.