Neurofeedback for light sensitivity after mild traumatic brain injury
Official title: A Novel Neurofeedback Intervention for Photosensitivity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11334098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a gentle neurofeedback brain-stimulation method to try to reduce light sensitivity in people with mild traumatic brain injury.
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 | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004374-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with a history of mild TBI who still experience bothersome photosensitivity and can attend visits at the VA Boston site.
✕Less likely to help
People without photosensitivity, those with more severe traumatic brain injuries, or those unable to travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
You would receive a non‑invasive neurofeedback treatment called low intensity pulse-based transcranial electrical stimulation (LIP-tES) aimed at reducing photosensitivity after mild TBI. Sessions involve brief, low-intensity pulses to the scalp while researchers monitor brain activity to train responses linked to light sensitivity. The team will compare symptoms and brain measures before and after treatment and study how the intervention changes neural activity. This work builds on small case reports and aims to find who benefits and why.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could lessen light sensitivity and improve daily functioning and rehabilitation after mild TBI.
How similar studies have gone: Small case reports and some neurofeedback/brain-stimulation studies show promise for post-concussive symptoms, but this approach remains experimental and not yet proven.
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
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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.