Infrared Photobiomodulation for Epilepsy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new treatment using infrared light for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy, a condition where seizures resist control by standard medications. Researchers aim to assess whether this light therapy, known as infrared photobiomodulation, can reduce seizures and evaluate its comfort for patients. It targets those with drug-resistant epilepsy who experience at least two seizures a month and maintain a detailed seizure diary. Participants will use this light treatment daily for six months. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for patients to explore innovative treatment options that might enhance their quality of life.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking any medication that causes photosensitivity (makes your skin sensitive to light).
What prior data suggests that this infrared photobiomodulation is safe for epilepsy?
Research has shown that infrared light therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies indicate that this treatment does not cause significant side effects or harm to the brain. It is non-invasive, requiring no surgery or entry into the body. The devices used are easy to handle and have a strong safety record. Little to no evidence suggests harm or damage to body cells. This makes it a promising option for those seeking new treatments for epilepsy.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional epilepsy treatments that often rely on medications like antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, infrared photobiomodulation offers a novel approach by using light therapy. This method works by delivering infrared light to the brain, potentially reducing seizure frequency through cellular-level changes without the side effects commonly associated with medications. Researchers are excited because this non-invasive treatment might provide a safer, alternative option for those who do not respond well to conventional drugs.
What evidence suggests that infrared photobiomodulation might be an effective treatment for epilepsy?
Research has shown that infrared light therapy, administered as photobiomodulation in this trial, might help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy, particularly for those whose seizures resist medication. Animal studies have demonstrated that this treatment can decrease seizure activity by improving the function of mitochondria, the cell's power sources. This is significant because certain types of epilepsy are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although more research is needed in humans, early findings suggest it could be a safe, non-drug option for managing epilepsy.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Daniel Goldenholz, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy, which means their seizures aren't controlled by medication. The study aims to see if a new treatment using infrared light can help reduce seizure frequency and improve comfort.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants will use photobiomodulation daily for 6 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Infrared Photobiomodulation
Trial Overview
The intervention being tested is photobiomodulation, a therapy that uses infrared light. Researchers want to find out if this approach could be an effective treatment option for reducing seizures in people with epilepsy.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
participants will use photobiomodulation daily for 6 months
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Lights for epilepsy: can photobiomodulation reduce seizures ...
We suggest that photobiomodulation can form an effective, safe, non-pharmacological, and non-invasive treatment option for patients with epilepsy.
Infrared Photobiomodulation in Humans With Epilepsy
In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical ...
Effects of Chronic Photobiomodulation with Transcranial ...
Together these data indicate that, at least in part, epilepsies are associated with dysfunctions in mitochondrial metabolism. Photobiomodulation ...
Infrared Photobiomodulation in Humans With Epilepsy
Of those, roughly 40% have drug-resistant epilepsy, meaning seizures do not stop despite good doses given with two different anti-seizure ...
Mitochondrial Photobiomodulation as a Neurotherapeutic ...
Regarding epilepsy, there have been two recent pre-clinical studies showing beneficial effects of PBM in different epilepsy models (Table 1). TABLE 1. www ...
Mitochondrial Photobiomodulation as a Neurotherapeutic ...
This fascinating new intervention is safe and non-invasive and should be tested further to confirm if augmenting neuronal mitochondrial respiration is a ...
7.
journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/nrronline/fulltext/2023/07000/lights_for_epilepsy__can_photobiomodulation_reduce.5.aspxLights for epilepsy: can photobiomodulation reduce ...
Further, it has an impeccable safety record, with little or no evidence of side effects or toxicity on body cells, it is non-invasive and the devices are easy ...
8.
translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com
translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-023-03988-wAdvances in photobiomodulation for cognitive improvement by ...
Similarly, NIR laser, as a relatively safe physical therapy, is suitable for patients with cerebral ischemic diseases (such as ischemic stroke ...
Transcranial low-level laser stimulation in the near-infrared ...
Our data indicate that 1064 nm laser tPBM does not induce adverse effects on brain structure or function, nor does it impair cognitive abilities. tPBM is safe ...
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