NIR Light Therapy for TBI: Emerging Evidence
- A team of scientists in Birmingham, U.K., has found that transcranial light therapy may aid in tissue repair following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- Traumatic brain injury often leads to inflammatory changes that worsen patient outcomes.
- The study involved administering two-minute bursts of infrared light at 660nm and 810nm wavelengths daily for three days to animal models after injury.Results indicated a reduction in the...
Near-infrared (NIR) light therapy shows considerable promise in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI), offering a potential new avenue where treatment options are limited. A recent University of Birmingham study reveals that transcranial light therapy may assist in tissue repair after mild TBI. Researchers observed reduced brain inflammation and improved balance and cognitive function in animal models. This innovative approach, using specific wavelengths of light, could accelerate recovery. The team is now seeking commercial partners, a development News Directory 3 follows closely. Discover what’s next regarding this promising TBI therapy.
Light Therapy Shows Promise for Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
Updated June 9, 2025
A team of scientists in Birmingham, U.K., has found that transcranial light therapy may aid in tissue repair following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Their findings,published in Bioengineering & Translational Medicine,suggest a potential new treatment where few options currently exist. The study highlights the potential of light therapy for traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injury often leads to inflammatory changes that worsen patient outcomes. Researchers at the University of Birmingham, including Professor Zubair Ahmed, professor Will Palin, Dr. Mohammed Hadis, Mr. Andrew Stevens, and Mr. David Davies, explored the impact of near infrared light on recovery.
The study involved administering two-minute bursts of infrared light at 660nm and 810nm wavelengths daily for three days to animal models after injury.Results indicated a reduction in the activation of astrocytes and microglial cells, which contribute to brain inflammation after trauma. Researchers also noted a decrease in biochemical markers of cell death.
After four weeks, the animal models showed improved performance in tests assessing balance and cognitive function. The 810nm wavelength light yielded superior results, accelerating recovery compared to control groups.This research builds upon earlier findings that showed near infrared light improved nerve cell survival and growth when applied directly to spinal cord injuries.
Professor Ahmed said, “We want to develop this method into a medical device that can be used to enhance recovery for patients with traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients.”
What’s next
The research team is now seeking commercial partners to help develop and market the device,bringing a new option for traumatic brain injury treatment closer to reality. the focus remains on refining the light therapy for traumatic brain injury to maximize its effectiveness.