Improved Language after Scalp Application of Red/Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes: Pilot Study supporting a New, Noninvasive Treatment for Chronic Aphasia

摘要

Scalp application of photons/light in near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths delivered with low-level laser therapy(LLLT) has significantly improved outcome in patients with acute stroke (Sterner, Huisa, & Zivin, 2010). Mechanismsfor beneficial effects of red/NIR LLLT, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), include: 1) increase in mitochondrialproduction of ATP in hypoxic/compromised cells (Karu, Pyatibrat, & Afanasyeva, 2005; Lane, 2006); and 2) increasein regional cerebral blood flow (Schiffer, et al., 2009; Nawashiro, et al., 2011). NIR LED has significantly improvedcognition in chronic, traumatic brain injury (Naeser et al., 2011). This is the first report of scalp application ofred/NIR photons to treat chronic aphasia.