Photobiomodulation is the correct term. Has anyone tried this treatment and was it useful for any symptoms of ABI such as memory loss or executive functions.

Here is a government published study referred to by many promoting LLLT. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
Note the penetration chart down the page. It shows the near infrared only penetrates a couple millimeters. The studies that show value in neurological setting are with mice. 2 mm into a mouse skull is substantial compared to a human brain where 2 mm is not past the skull.

Here is another. New Study Shows Only High-Powered Near-Infrared Light (NIR) Regenerates Damage from Traumatic Brain It mentions the lack of penetration.

Do you have memory loss or lack of short term memory functions ? What are you doing to help you brain perform at its best ?

I have a near infrared system for a shoulder injury. It appeared to just make the inflammation worse.

Thanks i read both articles and it seems that those with higher power have more chance. My husband had a cardiac arrest with global ischemia 2 years ago. His memory is improved but he still has memory problems, difficulty following conversations and retrieving ideas and fuzzy brain. He refuses to do much to help himself which makes life very difficult for all his family.

That sounds similar to when an impact results in diffuse axonal injury. Axons throughout the brain get weakened.

If he will follow the regimen, I would encourage you to get him on the Vitamins regimen in the Vitamin sticky at the top. The weak brain needs far more nutrition to tolerate daily stress and activities. Also, his quality of sleep will make a big difference. After a bad night's sleep, he will have more struggles.

He likely struggles to filter out background sounds and voices. This can make it difficult to follow a conversation. Memory and retrieving ideas often has to do with focus. He may need an opportunity to 'stop to think.' The stress of trying to force thought is often counter-productive.

Family can help him by giving him time and quiet to think and speak. I bet he struggles miserably at something like a Thanksgiving dinner with lots of people, maybe even to the point of outbursts.

People need to realize that he is as frustrated by his situation as they are. He likely does not fully understand why he struggles so and ends up 'smashing into walls' so to speak. He may be struggling with depression. It is a common part of his condition.

Please let me know if you think I am on track.

My best to you both.

I experimented with this technology on myself. I've also discussed/debated with Mark previously on this form. I used NIR lasers pointed at my brain stem and cerebellum from varying angles. I tried to mimic power densities discussed in scientific literature. After 10 sessions my results were ambigius, and not enough to conirm if infact results were realized. What I can report is that it was safe to experiment at the risk of injury is little to nonexistent.

After all my research, i'm still uncertain about the efficacy of skull penetration in a human brain, especially if youre trying to get deeper than brain surface. There's lots of positive research if you research 'transcranial laser therapy'. However there's lots of research that counters these points. Summary, it's safe to experiment.

There's also a back door into the brain using NIR laser therapy. It's extremely low level, much slower, and even safer, and cheap. Look into Intranasal light therapy. There's a product made by -Vielight ($200). It looks like an iPod and uses a small LED that inserts into your nose. The idea is that it difuses blood capillaries from the nasal cavity into the brain. This redirection of blood flow travels by gradients, and sends blood to brain regions with lesser amounts of blood flow. This causes nutrient transport, ATP production, new blood cell generation, and thus reparation. There's lots of consumer reviews on this product. So if you're discouraged by the uncertainty of direct skull penetration, try the back door through the nose.

Good luck.

Justin

I'm ready to give up on life. Maybe I'll try that light therapy as last chance to lift the fog.