Photobiomodulation with Super-Pulsed Laser Shows Efficacy for Stroke and Aphasia: Case Studies

Abstract

Background: Brain disorders have become more and more common today, due to both the aging population and the ever-expanding sports community. However, a new therapeutic technology called photobiomodulation (PBM) is giving hope to thousands of individuals in need. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), dementia, post traumatic stress (PTSD) and attention deficit (ADD) disorders are in many cases quickly and safely improved by PBM. PBM employs red or near-infrared (NIR) light (600 -1100 nm) to stimulate healing, protect tissue from dying, increase mitochondrial function, improve blood flow, and tissue oxygenation. PBM can also act to reduce edema, increase antioxidants, decrease inflammation, protect against apoptosis, and modulate the microglial activation state. All these effects can occur when light is delivered to the head, and can be beneficial in both acute and chronic brain conditions. Methods: In this case series, we used a high power, FDA-approved superpulsed laser system applied to the head to treat four chronic stroke patients. Patients received as few as three 6 -9 minute treatments over a one-week period. The follow up time varied, but in one case was two years. Results: Patients showed significant improvement in their speech and verbal skills. Improvements were also noticed in walking ability, limb movement, less numbness, and better vision. Conclusion: The use of PBM in stroke rehabilitation deserves to be tested in controlled clinical trials, because this common condition has no approved pharmaceutical treatment at present.

Photostimulation of brain lymphatics in male newborn and adult rodents for therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage

“…We found that PS also had the therapeutic effects in adult mice. We suggest that PS can be an effective treatment for IVH in adults, as has already been shown for treatment of stroke and traumatic brain injury 83 , 84 . However, given the loss of laser energy when passing through the skull, it can be assumed that that PS during deep sleep, when the brain’s drainage system is activated itself 58 , 85 , 86 , can significantly increase the therapeutic efficacy of PS, as has been demonstrated for the night therapy of Alzheimer’s disease 58 , 87 .…”

Phototherapy of Alzheimer’s Disease: Photostimulation of Brain Lymphatics during Sleep: A Systematic Review

“…Since the treatment of AD is incurable, therapy aimed at reducing the progression of the disease should be applied throughout the life of patients. In this respect, PBM technologies are the most promising, since they are already widely used in the clinical field for the treatment of various brain diseases [ 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 ].…”

“…Many brain diseases are associated with impaired LDRSB and suppression of removal of toxins from the brain, including PD, intracranial hemorrhages, brain trauma, and glioblastoma [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 177 ]. There are experimental and clinical data suggesting the effective therapy of these brain diseases by PBM [ 29 , 31 , 45 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 , 178 , 179 ]. Therefore, nighttime therapy of brain diseases using PBM and other approaches during deep sleep might herald a new era in neurorehabilitation medicine.…”

The Beneficial Role of Photobiomodulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Naeser et al [95] had earlier reported the significant benefit of transcranial photobiomodulation in stroke. In a recent case study by Stephan et al [96], laser photobiomodulation was proven to show significant improvements in stroke and aphasia.…”