Laser Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia

The continued absence of any new pharmaceutical therapies for stroke has led researchers to test innovative approaches such as transcranial laser therapy. This approach is based upon a large body of knowledge gained from low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) used for wound healing, pain relief and reduction of inflammation. Near-infrared light (particularly 810 nm) shone on the head can penetrate into the brain where it can prevent neurons from dying, reduce inflammation, increase angiogenesis and stimulate neural progenitor cells to repair the lesion. This hypothesis has been tested in animal models of ischemic stroke created in rats and rabbits, with impressive results. Two clinical trials of stroke treated with a single transcranial exposure to 810 nm laser have been carried out with encouraging results. Laser therapy for stroke has the potential to become the treatment of choice for this dread disease.