An Open Label Pilot Study of Infrared Photobiomodulation in Humans With Epilepsy
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Summary
Drug-resistant epilepsy represents roughly 40% of people with epilepsy. It is very challenging to stop seizures in this condition, and the treatment options are limited. This study aims to investigate a new treatment that involves using infra-red light. In animals, this treatment has shown promise as a possible way to reduce seizures, but it has not been tested in humans for this. The investigators are interested to know if it can reduce seizures, and how comfortable it is to be treated with this therapy.
Description
Epilepsy affects 12 out of every 1000 people in the United States (1.2%). Of those, roughly 40% have drug-resistant epilepsy, meaning seizures do not stop despite good doses given with two different anti-seizure medications. Patients in this situation have several options (1) try additional medications (2) consider surgery to remove the part of the brain causing seizures, if possible (3) consider neuromodulation devices that change the brain activity using electricity in the brain (also a surgery) (4) try special diets such as the ketogenic diet which changes the fuel used by the brain by only…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Drug resistant epilepsy * Age 18 or older * Average seizure rate of at least 2 seizures per month * Accurate seizure diary with at least 3 months recorded Exclusion Criteria: * Implanted intracranial neurostimulation device (DBS or RNS) * Intracranial shunt * Skin photosensitivity * Cancer on scalp * Taking any medication that can cause photosensitivity
Interventions
- Devicephotobiomodulation
a hat with infrared lights will be worn for 30 minutes daily for 6 months
Location
- BIDMCBoston, Massachusetts