New Insights: Phototherapy Enhances Brain Connectivity Following an Injury

by Natasha Bhatt / June 9, 2024

The Radiology Society of North America(RSNA) released a study on low-level light treatment(LLLT) which has the potential to improve brain connections after a mild traumatic brain injury(TBIs). This therapy appears to help the brain repair after damage. This research is from Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH). They included 38 individuals for their study on mild traumatic brain injuries.  Participants have near-infrared light therapy(LLLT) utilizing a helmet within 72 hours of their injury. The entire brain is illuminated by this light as it permeates the skull. 

The brain's resting-state functional connectivity—the exchange of information across different brain regions—was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Through this, three stages of recovery were examined in this study: acute (within a week), subacute (two to three weeks), and late-subacute (three months after the injury). Twenty-one of the participants were controls; they wore the helmet but did not receive light treatment in order to check for any placebo effects.

The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to controls, LLLT-treated patients had larger alterations in resting-state connectivity in seven brain area pairings from the acute to subacute phases. According to research coauthor Nathaniel Mercaldo, Ph.D., "there was increased connectivity in those receiving light treatment, primarily within the first two weeks." Nevertheless, there were no discernible long-term variations in connection between the two groups.

Although the exact processes underlying these benefits are unknown, it is thought that LLLT may change the enzymes in the mitochondria, improving the synthesis of energy and having anti-inflammatory properties. There was no discernible difference in the clinical outcomes of the treatment and control groups, despite the increase in connection.

More research with bigger patient groups and longer follow-up times is required to completely comprehend the therapeutic potential of LLLT. Dr. Rajiv Gupta, M.D., Ph.D., claims that the helmet's mobility and simplicity of use indicate that it may be beneficial for a number of neurological diseases, such as PTSD, depression, and autism.

With further study, light therapy may play a larger part in neurology and provide patients with connection problems and brain traumas fresh hope.

Citation:

Radiological Society of North America. (2024, June 5). New study: Light therapy enhances brain connectivity after injury. SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/new-study-light-therapy-enhances-brain-connectivity-after-injury/