Changes in Brain Function and Structure After Self-Administered Home Photobiomodulation Treatment in a Concussion...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prevalent in athletes, with limited treatment options.
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, using red to near-infrared light, is an investigational approach for TBI.
• Previous PBM studies in TBI were limited to behavioral assessments in humans.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old professional hockey player with a history of concussions and related symptoms underwent self-administered PBM treatment.
• The treatment involved intranasal and transcranial application of 810-nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) targeting the default mode network (DMN).
• The PBM protocol lasted 8 weeks with specific light parameters (10 or 40 Hz pulsing, max 100 mW/cm²).

Findings:

• Significant improvements in neuroimaging measures, including increased brain volumes and enhanced functional connectivity.
• Observed increases in cerebral perfusion, indicating improved blood flow to the brain.
• Positive changes in neuropsychological test scores, suggesting cognitive recovery.

Implications:

• This case report suggests PBM may be a viable non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment for TBI.
• The findings support the need for further replication studies to validate PBM for sports-related TBI.
• PBM therapy shows promise as a potential therapeutic option for athletes experiencing TBI-related symptoms.