A new treatment for light sensitivity after mild brain injuries
Official title: A Novel Neurofeedback Intervention for Photosensitivity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10988286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with mild traumatic brain injuries who are sensitive to light, using a gentle brain stimulation technique to see if it can make their symptoms better and improve their daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and are suffering from photosensitivity symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe traumatic brain injuries or those who do not experience photosensitivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel neurofeedback intervention aimed at alleviating photosensitivity symptoms in patients who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). The approach utilizes Low Intensity Pulse-Based Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (LIP-tES), which has shown promise in treating post-concussive symptoms. By targeting brain activity, the intervention seeks to reduce the debilitating effects of photosensitivity, which can significantly impact daily functioning and rehabilitation outcomes. Patients will be monitored for changes in their symptoms and overall quality of life throughout the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive treatment option that significantly improves the quality of life for patients suffering from photosensitivity after mild traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise for neurofeedback interventions in treating related symptoms, but this specific approach is relatively novel and untested in the context of photosensitivity.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fortenbaugh, Francesca Cowden — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Fortenbaugh, Francesca Cowden
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A High-Tech Look Inside the Brain with Diffusion MRI
Researchers are using advanced brain imaging to find biological clues in people who have mild traumatic brain injuries.
-
How neuromodulation may help headaches after a mild brain injury
A small study tests whether stimulating the brain with a noninvasive technique can lessen persistent headaches in people who recently had a concussion.
-
New ways to treat chronic pain after mild brain injuries
A research team is studying why some people develop long-lasting pain after a mild head injury and how brain inflammation contributes to it.
-
Retraining brain pathways to boost thinking after a mild head injury
A clinical trial tests a brain-training program to improve thinking and memory in people who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
-
Neurobehavioral effects of childhood brain injuries and addiction risk in twins
This grant studies how mild traumatic brain injury in childhood might influence behavior and the chance of developing addictive behaviors later in life, using twins to understand what’s due to injury versus other factors.
-
Understanding and improving reactive balance after mild traumatic brain injury
This grant tests how people recover their balance after a mild brain injury and how targeted training could help prevent falls.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.