Neurofeedback for light sensitivity after mild traumatic brain injury
A Novel Neurofeedback Intervention for Photosensitivity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
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 ID | NIH-11334098 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a history of mild TBI who still experience bothersome photosensitivity and can attend visits at the VA Boston site.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Boston, United States
- 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
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 below.