Light Therapy for Post-Concussion Recovery and Healing

Understanding the Potential Benefits of Light Therapy for Concussion Recovery

Dealing with concussion symptoms can be extremely difficult. From headaches and dizziness to issues with mood, sleep, and memory, the effects of a traumatic brain injury can last for weeks or even months. Researchers have been studying alternative treatment options to help aid the recovery process. One area that shows promise is using targeted light therapy to help relieve post-concussion problems.

How a Concussion Can Disrupt Circadian Rhythms

A concussion represents an injury to the brain that may result in bruising, damage to blood vessels, and injury to nerves. The effects from even a mild concussion can be widespread within the brain.

One area impacted involves the circadian system—the internal body clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. A traumatic brain injury appears to impair circadian rhythms and normal melatonin release, which are key for maintaining consistent sleep.

Disrupted sleep is one of the most common lingering symptoms following a concussion. This makes sense given the role the brain plays in regulating healthy sleep-wake function. Without proper restorative sleep, other concussion symptoms can become exacerbated.

Using Light Therapy to Regulate Disrupted Circadian Rhythms

This is where light therapy, sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation, comes in for concussion recovery. Light therapy involves exposing the brain and central nervous system to beneficial wavelengths of light for targeted results.

Specifically for concussion patients, light therapy aims to help get circadian rhythms and natural melatonin release back on track. By directly applying therapeutic light wavelengths to parts of the brain tied to healthy sleep, it may aid the recovery of impaired sleep patterns.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Light Treatments for Post-Concussion Symptoms

Initial research specifically looking at photobiomodulation for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly referred to as concussion, has been very promising. More studies are emerging demonstrating the positive effects of light therapy on an array of lingering post-concussion symptoms.

Light Treatment Impact on Insomnia and Sleep Quality

A number of recent studies have highlighted improved sleep metrics when applying therapeutic wavelengths of light to the head region of concussion patients.

Results have shown significant increases in total sleep duration, sleep efficiency percentages, and overall sleep quality ratings. Patients using an 8 to 12 week course of light therapy also experience positive shifts in sleep onset latency—meaning how quickly someone is able to fall asleep when going to bed.

These sleep improvements appear effective for those more recently diagnosed with a concussion, as well as those still battling chronic symptoms for months or years after their head injuries when other treatments have failed.

Effects of Light Treatments on Mood and Mental Health

In addition to recovering healthy sleep patterns, early research indicates photobiomodulation therapy may also provide mood enhancing benefits.

The sleep regulation effects alone can positively impact mood, as poor sleep quality and feelings of depression often go hand-in-hand. But light therapy is also hypothesized to directly stimulate mood-boosting neurotransmitters.

Multiple studies demonstrate concussion patients see a lifting of feelings of sadness, mood swings, irritability, and withdrawal after a course of light treatments. There also appears to impact on moderating stress and anxiety as well.

Other Concussion Symptoms Responsive to Light Therapy

While improved sleep and better mood regulation have the most independent research backing so far, other concussion symptoms also seem to respond well to therapeutic light.

Early findings suggest photobiomodulation applied to head regions may have positive effects on:

• Lessening of headaches & migraines
• Decreased dizziness and balance problems
• Improvements in cognition and mental clarity
• Faster information processing and reaction times

This indicates light treatment not only targets sleep-wake cycles but seems to aid multiple aspects of post-concussion recovery for a better overall healing response.

Comparing Different Light Therapy Protocols for mTBI Rehabilitation

As the volume of research expands on using light treatments to treat lingering effects from head injuries, best practice application guidelines are emerging. Scientists have been evaluating factors such as:

• Optimal wavelengths of light
• Identifying most responsive regions of the brain to target
• Required frequency, intensity, and duration needed

By comparing notes across published studies, consistencies help build consensus around treatment protocols likely to yield the best patient improvements.

Preferred Wavelengths for Post-Concussion Light Therapy

Wavelengths in the 600 to 1000 nanometer range demonstrate particular effectiveness for patients managing mTBI symptoms. Blue wavelengths around 450 nanometers also show promise.

These wavelengths likely trigger responses in cytochrome oxidase pathways within neuronal mitochondria. This helps spark better cellular communication and efficiency which aids healing.

Light Application Sites Around the Head

Applying direct light therapy around the head targets brain regions involved in regulating sleep, mood, headaches, cognition, and more concussion symptoms:

• Forehead
• Temples
• Sides of head
• Back of neck

Using multi-panel light devices allows for broad, simultaneous exposure around the full head and neck areas.

Daily Use for At Least 6 to 12 Weeks

The majority of study protocols demonstrating patient improvement utilize consecutive application of targeted light therapy for between 6 weeks to 3 months duration. This extended treatment period seems vital for compounding positive effects.

Each session tends to range from 10 to 40 minutes when used daily. Consistency also matters, as benefits are lost when protocols have patients skip too many days.

Is Light Therapy Safe? Potential Side Effects and Considerations

No major safety issues or adverse events have been reported from using targeted light therapy protocols for concussion recovery. Unlike medications, light poses little downside risk. Still, there are some usage considerations.

Managing Light Sensitivity

Some patients dealing with acute concussion symptoms experience light and sound sensitivity initially. For these individuals, introducing light therapy too soon can be uncomfortable. Experts recommend waiting until these sensitivities resolve some to better tolerate treatments.

Eye Safety and Exposure

As with any bright light therapies, directly staring into panels over time does carry Eye risks like retinal damage. Proper use calls for positioning panels around the head and neck—not shining into the eyes. Protective eyewear can also be incorporated if desired.

Watching for Reactions

While less likely at therapeutic intensities, there’s a small risk of photosensitive reactions. Observing the skin areas exposed to light, watching for rashes or burning provides a way to monitor tolerance.

As with most rehabilitation techniques, experts view light therapy as one component of a broader treatment strategy. Working with healthcare providers to incorporate photobiomodulation along with established therapies boosts outcomes.

The Future Looks Bright for Light-Based Concussion Therapies

Early research into using light treatments for mild traumatic brain injury and concussion management holds exciting promise. The applications specifically for aiding post-concussion syndrome appear especially pertinent and impactful.

As more rigorous longer-term human trials replicate initial findings, experts expect targeted light protocols for mTBI to become standardized and widespread. This gives new options to concussion suffers struggling to bounce back from stubborn symptoms.

Rather than passively waiting and hoping their condition improves over time, light therapy empowers patients with an active tool to potentially speed their brain’s recovery. Non-invasiveness, ease of use, and modulation benefits make photobiomodulation treatments attractive for mild head injury rehabilitation moving forward.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.