Red Light Therapy For Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury
Red light therapy is bringing recovery and enhanced cognition to those suffering from traumatic brain injury. Patients who have suffered TBI report improved cognition, better sleep, and enhanced recovery from the traumatic experience of their accident.
Naeser, M.A., et. al. (2010). Improved cognitive function post-transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: two case reports. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.
Naeser, M.A., et. al. (2010). Improved cognitive function post-transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: two case reports. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.
In animal research, photobiomodulation has impressive outcomes in recovery of animals after stroke. Scientists believe the therapeutic effects stem largely from increased mitochondrial function (i.e. increased ATP production) in brain cells irradiated with near-infrared and red light therapy.
Detaboada L., et al. (2006). Transcranial application of low-energy laser irradiation improves neurological deficits in rats following acute stroke. Lasers Surgery and Medicine, 38:70–73.
Lapchak, P.A., et. al. (2007) Transcranial near-infrared light therapy improves motor function following embolic strokes in rabbits: an extended therapeutic window study using continuous and pulse frequency delivery modes. Neuroscience, 148: 907–914.
Lapchak, P.A. et. al. (2004). Transcranial infrared laser therapy improves clinical rating scores after embolic strokes in rabbits. Stroke. 35:1985–1988.
Spinal cord injuries cause severe damage to the central nervous system with no effective known restorative therapies. However, near-infrared and red light therapy has been found to accelerate regeneration of the injured peripheral nerve and increase the axonal number and distance of nerve axon regrowth, while significantly improving aspects of function toward normal levels. Numerous studies indicate that near-infrared and red light therapy is a promising treatment for spinal cord injury that warrants full investigation.
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Byrnes, K.R., et al. (2005). Light promotes regeneration and functional recovery and alters the immune response after spinal cord injury. Lasers in Surgery and Med. 36:171–185.
Wu, X. (2009). 810 nm Wavelength light: an effective therapy for transected or contused rat spinal cord. Lasers in Surgery and Med. 41:36–41.