How Transcranial Photobiomodulation Can Help Manage Epilepsy

How Transcranial Photobiomodulation Can Help Manage Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity within the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on the seizure type and the area of the brain affected. Seizures can manifest as uncontrollable muscle movements, altered sensations, changes in consciousness, or even temporary memory loss. Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life.

While traditional treatment options like medication and surgery can be effective, they may not always offer complete seizure control or come with undesirable side effects. This is where Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) emerges as a promising new approach for epilepsy management.


Understanding Epilepsy and Seizures

The human brain is a symphony of electrical activity. Nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with each other by sending electrical signals. In a healthy brain, this electrical activity is orderly and coordinated. However, in people with epilepsy, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to sudden bursts of excessive electrical activity that cause seizures.


There are many different types of seizures, classified based on their origin and symptoms. Some common types include:

  • Focal seizures: These originate in a specific area of the brain and can cause localized symptoms like muscle twitching or tingling sensations;
  • Generalized seizures: These involve the entire brain and can cause widespread symptoms like loss of consciousness, convulsions, or staring spells;
  • Absence seizures: These brief seizures often involve a blank stare and momentary loss of awareness.

The underlying causes of epilepsy can vary. Some common factors include:

  • Genetics: Certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing epilepsy;
  • Head injury: A serious head injury can damage brain tissue and lead to epilepsy;
  • Brain infections: Infections like meningitis or encephalitis can damage the brain and cause seizures;
  • Stroke: A stroke can damage brain tissue and disrupt electrical activity, leading to epilepsy;
  • Brain tumors: Tumors in the brain can disrupt normal electrical activity and cause seizures;
  • Developmental abnormalities: Malformations in brain structure can increase the risk of epilepsy.

Why Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) Holds Promise for Epilepsy

Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level laser therapy, involves exposing cells to specific wavelengths of light. This light interacts with cellular components, triggering various biological processes. Research suggests that tPBM, the application of PBM on the head, has the potential to benefit epilepsy in several ways:

  • Reduced neuroinflammation: Studies suggest that chronic inflammation in the brain may play a role in epilepsy. PBM has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation, potentially mitigating seizure activity [1, 2].
  • Enhanced neuroprotection: PBM can improve mitochondrial function, the powerhouses of cells, and reduce oxidative stress, a damaging process that can contribute to seizures [2]. Additionally, PBM may promote the survival of brain cells [2].
  • Synaptic regulation: PBM appears to regulate synapses, the connection points between neurons. This regulation might protect hippocampal neurons, crucial for memory and learning, from the damaging effects of epileptic activity [3].
  • Normalized neurotransmitter activity: Abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the brain, are associated with seizures. PBM may help normalize the activity of these neurotransmitters [4].

Safety and Benefits of tPBM for Epilepsy

One of the most compelling aspects of tPBM for epilepsy is its safety profile. Unlike medications with potential side effects or invasive surgical procedures, tPBM is a non-invasive therapy with minimal risks. It has been used for decades in various medical settings with excellent safety records. Transcranial photobiomodulation sessions are comfortable and well-tolerated by most people. Nowadays, it’s possible to purchase a tPBM device to use at home as well, such as the Neuradiant 1070, so it’s also extremely convenient.

The optimal usage regimen for tPBM in epilepsy is still under investigation. The number of sessions and treatment duration may vary depending on the individual's condition.

 

References

  1. Chen, Y., Nagib, M. M., Yasmen, N., Sluter, M. N., Littlejohn, T. L., Yu, Y., & Jiang, J. (2023). Neuroinflammatory mediators in acquired epilepsy: An update. Inflammation Research, 72(4), 83–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-023-01700-8

  2. Hong, N., Kim, H. J., Kang, K., Park, J. O., Mun, S., Kim, H.-G., Kang, B. H., Chung, P.-S., Lee, M. Y., & Ahn, J.-C. (2023). Photobiomodulation improves the synapses and cognitive function and ameliorates epileptic seizure by inhibiting downregulation of NLGN3. Cell & Bioscience, 13(1).|https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36635704/

  3. Mitrofanis, J., Torres-Martinez, N., & Chabardes, S. (2023). Lights for epilepsy: Can photobiomodulation reduce seizures and offer neuroprotection? Neural Regeneration Research, 18(7), 1423. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10075120/

  4. Radwan, N. M., Ahmed, N. A., Ibrahim, K. M., Khedr, M. E., Aziz, M. A., & Khadrawy, Y. A. (2009). Effect of infrared laser irradiation on amino acid neurotransmitters in an epileptic animal model induced by pilocarpine. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 27(3), 401–409. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2008.2275

  5. Tsai, C.-M., Chang, S.-F., Li, C.-C., & Chang, H. (2022). Transcranial photobiomodulation (808 nm) attenuates pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures by suppressing hippocampal neuroinflammation, astrogliosis, and microgliosis in Peripubertal Rats. Neurophotonics, 9(01). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.nph.9.1.01±006

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