Photobiomodulation and the brain – has the light dawned?

Abstract

Evidence is mounting that photobiomodulation therapy (shining near-infrared light) can benefit a wide range of brain disorders. The photons can penetrate into the brain where they stimulate production of energy in brain cells, and trigger numerous signaling pathways. Acute ischaemic stroke was the first indication that progressed to human clinical trials. Acute and chronic stages of traumatic brain injury were then investigated. Currently, psychiatric disorders such as depression, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are under investigation. Although showing great promise, more trials are clearly needed before the therapy will be accepted.