Traumatic Brain Injury / Concussion
Source: Clinical Research (Emerging)
Transcranial PBM protocol for post-concussion syndrome and chronic TBI symptoms. NIR light at 810nm has the best penetration through the skull to reach cortical brain tissue. This is an emerging application with promising but limited clinical evidence.
Protocol Parameters
| Condition | Traumatic Brain Injury |
| Wavelengths | 810nm, 830nm, 850nm |
| Dosage | 10-30 J/cm² transcranially |
| Irradiance | 50-100 mW/cm² at scalp |
| Duration | 10-20 minutes |
| Frequency | 3x per week for 6+ weeks |
| Body Zone | head |
| Evidence Level | Emerging |
Mechanism of Action
Transcranial NIR light penetrates the skull (approximately 2-3% transmission) and is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in cortical neurons. This improves neuronal mitochondrial function, reduces neuroinflammation, promotes neuroplasticity, and enhances cerebral blood flow. The net effect is improved cognitive function and reduced post-concussion symptoms.
Key Studies
- Naeser et al. (2014) - Transcranial LED for chronic TBI
- Hamblin (2016) - Shining light on the head: PBM for brain disorders
- Salehpour et al. (2018) - Transcranial PBM for brain injury review
Treatment Tips
- *810nm has best skull penetration among common wavelengths
- *Apply to forehead, temporal regions, and posterior skull
- *This is experimental - coordinate with neurological care team
- *Track cognitive symptoms with standardized assessments
Contraindications
- !Active intracranial hemorrhage
- !History of seizures (use caution)
- !Cranial defects or shunts
Research Basis
This content is informed by 47+ published peer-reviewed studies on photobiomodulation.
RedLightOS Research Team
Photobiomodulation Research
The RedLightOS team reviews over 9,500 published photobiomodulation studies to deliver evidence-based red light therapy guidance.
Reviewed by RedLightOS Research Team. Last reviewed: . Based on published photobiomodulation research. For educational purposes only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our methodology.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Red light therapy devices are wellness devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.