LED Treatment to Improve Cognition and Promote Recovery in TBI

Noninvasive LED Treatment to Improve Cognition and Promote Recovery in Blast TBI

This study investigates the efficacy of a novel neuromodulation treatment, light emitting diodes (LED), on cognition, neuropsychiatric status and quality of life in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The most common traumatic brain injury (TBI)-associated problems are cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric problems, such as sleep disturbance and PTSD. This study evaluates a novel neuromodulation intervention, light emitting diodes (LED), for treatment of patients with TBI. LED is a noninvasive, non-thermal, painless treatment, which does not involve any needles or any form of surgery. LED treatment improves cellular activity of the brain tissue that has been damaged by TBI. Half of the study participants will receive active LED treatment, and a control group will receive sham LED. This study takes place in Boston, Massachusetts: at the VA Boston Healthcare System.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

• OEF/OIF active-duty personnel or Veterans with history of TBI or blast-exposure
• Meets criteria for mild TBI
• LOC of 30 min or less
• Age: 21-55
• Primary language is English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of penetrating head injury
• History of previous neurological diagnosis
• History of previous psychotic disorder prior to TBI
• Hearing or vision impairment