Infrared Light Therapy for Epilepsy

(PBM Rise Trial)

This trial explores the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), a type of infrared light therapy, to help manage epilepsy. PBM is non-invasive and aims to stabilize the brain and improve cellular function, potentially reducing seizures and enhancing quality of life. Participants will attend 20-minute sessions three times a week for 15 weeks. The treatment involves using a helmet and light clip that deliver light through the head and nostril. Individuals diagnosed with epilepsy who have experienced at least one seizure in the past six months might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment options that could enhance quality of life.

You don't have to stop taking your current medications, but you need to agree to maintain or possibly reduce them based on your doctor's advice. You cannot increase your medication or start new ones during the trial.

Research has shown that photobiomodulation (PBM), a type of light therapy, is generally safe and well-tolerated for treating epilepsy. Studies have found that this treatment maintains a strong safety record, with little to no evidence of side effects. As a non-invasive option, it avoids surgery or needles, offering a gentler alternative to other treatments. In human studies, PBM did not cause significant side effects, suggesting its safety for use.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about photobiomodulation for epilepsy because it offers a non-invasive approach that uses infrared light to potentially modulate brain activity. Unlike standard treatments like anti-seizure medications, which can have various side effects and require ongoing use, photobiomodulation involves brief sessions where near-infrared light is delivered through a helmet and nasal clip, aiming to influence neural function directly. This method could provide an alternative for individuals who do not respond well to existing medications, offering a new avenue for managing seizures without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

Research has shown that photobiomodulation (PBM), a type of infrared light therapy, may help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. Animal studies found that PBM can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of seizures. Although studies on humans provide limited information, early signs suggest that people with epilepsy might experience similar benefits. In this trial, participants will divide into two groups: one receiving active PBM sessions and the other undergoing control (sham) sessions. PBM works by delivering light energy to brain cells, which can enhance their function and repair, possibly leading to more stable brain activity. While more research is needed, PBM is considered a safe and non-invasive treatment option for managing epilepsy.¹²³⁵⁶