Potential and Challenges of Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Stroke

Overview

Journal CNS Neurosci Ther

Specialties Neurology
Pharmacology

Date 2024 Dec 18

PMID 39692710

Authors

Siyue Li

Thomson W L Wong

Shamay S M Ng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy, employs red or near-infrared light emitted from a laser or light-emitting diode for the treatment of various conditions. Transcranial PBM (tPBM) is a form of PBM that is delivered to the head to improve brain health, as tPBM enhances mitochondrial function, improves antioxidant responses, reduces inflammation, offers protection from apoptosis, improves blood flow, increases cellular energy production, and promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. As such, tPBM holds promise as a treatment for stroke. This review summarizes recent findings on tPBM as a treatment for stroke, presenting evidence from both animal studies and clinical trials that demonstrate its efficacy. Additionally, it discusses the potential and challenges encountered in the translation process. Furthermore, it proposes new technologies and directions for the development of light-delivery methods and emphasizes the need for extensive studies to validate and widen the application of tPBM in future treatments for stroke.

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