This study is focused on a type of light therapy called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), in which near-infrared energy is applied to the forehead. Near infrared energy is like light but is not visible to the human eye.

We want to find out whether this type of therapy can change blood flow in the brains of people with traumatic brain injury and improve their functioning. Eventually, the findings of this study may provide better treatment options for people living with the effects of TBI.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 40-85
• Experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) 6 months to 10 years ago
• TBI was non-penetrating (injury did not break the skull)
• TBI was considered moderate in severity
• Able to undergo an MRI (no claustrophobia or non-removable objects in the body)
• No history of dementia or other serious neurological conditions
• Able to travel to Midtown Manhattan for study visits

There will be a total of 22 visits separated by phases, lasting about 20 weeks altogether. All visits are in person.

Phase 1: Screening and Enrollment (4-6 hours)

• Consent
• Neuropsychological testing
• Questionnaires
• Blood draw
• Urine drug testing

Phase 2: Baseline phase (3-5 hours)

• MRI of the brain
• You will receive both the treatment and a “sham” procedure with the light therapy device.

Phase 3: Treatment phase (25-27 hours of participation across 18 visits)

• You will be randomly placed into either the treatment or the “sham” group. You won’t know which group you are in and the investigators will not know either.
• For 6 weeks, you will come 3 days a week (a total of 18 visits) and have either sham or treatment, depending on which group you were randomly assigned.

Phase 4: Primary outcome phase (5-8 hours) over one week

• MRI of the brain
• Neuropsychological testing
• Questionnaires

Phase 5: Follow up phase (4-5 hours)

• 8 weeks post-treatment
• Neuropsychological testing
• Questionnaires

Participants may receive up to $1,250 in compensation for their time and effort.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.