ABSTRACT
Maxine H. Krengel,a,b Yelena Bogdanova,a,c Jeffrey A. Knight,a,c,d
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been suggested as an
effective treatment for a range of brain traumas and diseases [1-
5]. Though the exact mechanism is still being studied, research has
shown that red and near-infrared (NIR) light is able to penetrate
the skull [6, 7] and trigger reactions that elevate mitochondrial
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production [8]. Transcranial LLLT
(tLLLT) increases local, regional cerebral blood flow in humans with
traumatic brain injury (TBI) [9], and in severe depression cases [10].
Increase in ATP and focal increase in regional cerebral blood flow
are important factors that could contribute to recovery in central
nervous system disorders [11]. In this chapter, we explore a variety
of uses of tLLLT, including improvement in cognition in chronic
TBI and improvement in sequelae of stroke, including improved
language behavior in chronic stroke when aphasia is present (loss
of language abilities, primarily associated with left hemisphere [LH]
stroke).