Study of Infrared Light Therapy to Reduce Stress in Adults with Epilepsy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of photobiomodulation PBM, a non-invasive infrared light therapy, to reduce stress in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy affects over 50 million individuals worldwide and is often treated with medications that can have significant side effects. This study aims to assess whether PBM can improve brain function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote cellular repair, potentially improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy by lowering their perceived stress levels. Participants will receive PBM using the Vielight Pro 2 device, which delivers pulsed 810nm near-infrared light through a helmet placed on the head and a light emitter clipped to the nostril. The study involves 45 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes, conducted three times a week over 15 to 20 weeks. Some participants will receive active PBM, while others will receive sham fake sessions, with all other procedures identical between groups. The study includes intake, baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and six-month follow-up assessments. Throughout the study, participants will undergo extensive metabolic and behavioral testing, including EEG recordings and various blood, urine, and hair analyses. They will also wear an 5ura ring to monitor sleep and activity continuously. Researchers will measure stress levels using validated psychological inventories and correlate these with objective brain and metabolic data. The total participation lasts about 3 to 4 months, with ongoing monitoring to assess the effects of PBM on stress and brain function in epilepsy.

An Examination of Whether Infrared Light Therapy Can Reduce Stress in People With Epilepsy