Photobiomodulation, also called PBM or near-infrared light therapy, is a comfortable, noninvasive approach designed to support cellular energy and healthy brain function.

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we personalize care based on your health history, symptoms and, when appropriate, a QEEG brain map. Photobiomodulation may be incorporated with neurofeedback, functional medicine or other therapies to support people experiencing brain fog, memory concerns, poor concentration, mental fatigue or lingering concussion symptoms.

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Although the brain accounts for only about 2 percent of body weight, it uses approximately 20 percent of the body’s energy. Every thought, memory, movement and emotion depends on brain cells having enough energy to communicate and function efficiently.

Mitochondria produce ATP, the primary form of energy used by cells. Researchers are investigating how aging, poor sleep, inflammation, illness, chronic stress and concussion may affect mitochondrial function and the way the brain produces and uses energy.

When brain function is under strain, people may experience symptoms such as:

• Brain fog
• Mental fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Memory difficulties
• Slower processing speed
• Trouble finding words
• Reduced mental endurance

These symptoms can have many different causes and should not automatically be attributed to low brain energy. Photobiomodulation is one approach being studied for its potential to support mitochondrial function and healthy cellular energy production.

Mental fatigue can also originate outside the brain. Learn about 27 possible underlying causes of fatigue that standard blood tests may miss.

Research into photobiomodulation continues to grow. Scientists are investigating whether supporting mitochondrial function, blood flow and cellular energy may be helpful for several areas of brain health.

Brain Fog and Mental Fatigue

People often describe brain fog as difficulty thinking clearly, finding words, remembering information or maintaining concentration. Because brain fog has many possible causes, it is important to understand the underlying factors rather than assuming it begins only in the brain.

Learn more about 17 commonly overlooked causes of brain fog.

Memory and Healthy Aging

Researchers are studying PBM for its potential to support memory, processing speed, cognitive performance and healthy brain function as people age.

Concussion and Post-Concussion Symptoms

Photobiomodulation is being investigated for persistent symptoms following concussion, including headaches, dizziness, poor concentration, mental fatigue and memory difficulties.

Focus and Attention

Researchers are examining whether PBM may support the brain networks involved in concentration, attention and mental endurance. Difficulty focusing can have many causes, including sleep problems, stress, ADHD, inflammation and metabolic factors.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Regulation

Studies are exploring PBM as a complementary approach for mood and emotional regulation. Depression and anxiety can involve many interacting factors, including brain activity, sleep, inflammation, hormones, nutrition and gut health.

Read more about how depression may involve the gut, inflammation and brain regulation.

Sleep Problems

Healthy sleep depends on coordinated activity between the brain, nervous system, hormones and circadian rhythm. Researchers continue to investigate whether PBM may influence brain processes involved in sleep regulation.

Learn about our whole-person approach to sleep and insomnia in Saint Paul.

An Important Note About the Research

Photobiomodulation is not considered a cure for these conditions. Research is still developing, and individual results can vary. Recommendations should be based on a person’s health history, symptoms and clinical findings.

Photobiomodulation has generally been well tolerated in published human studies when appropriate devices, treatment parameters and protocols are used. However, safety can depend on the wavelength, intensity, treatment duration, frequency and individual receiving treatment.

Some studies have reported mild and temporary effects such as headache, warmth, dizziness, fatigue, irritability or changes in sleep. Serious adverse events have not been commonly reported, but research is continuing and long-term safety data remain limited for some applications.

A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study involving 53 adults found that adverse events were balanced between the PBM and sham groups, were mainly mild, and no serious adverse events were reported. You can read the <u>randomized human study examining PBM safety and patient compliance</u>.

Before beginning treatment, we review your health history, medications, light sensitivity and other relevant medical considerations. Patients should follow their recommended protocol because a longer or more intense treatment is not necessarily more beneficial.

Photobiomodulation should be used as part of an individualized care plan and is not a substitute for appropriate medical evaluation or treatment.

Photobiomodulation may be considered for people experiencing concerns such as:

• Brain fog or mental fatigue
• Memory changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lingering concussion symptoms
• Slower processing speed
• Headaches or migraines
• Sleep difficulties
• Mood or stress-regulation concerns
• Age-related changes in cognitive function

These symptoms can have many different causes, and photobiomodulation may not be appropriate for every person. The first step is understanding why the symptoms are occurring and whether the problem may involve brain activity, sleep, nutrition, hormones, inflammation, circulation, medication effects or another underlying factor.

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we begin with a detailed consultation and health history. When appropriate, we may recommend a <u>QEEG brain map</u> to better understand patterns of brain activity.

Depending on your findings, your personalized recommendations may include photobiomodulation, <u>QEEG-guided neurofeedback</u>, <u>functional medicine</u>, hands-on care or a combination of approaches.

Photobiomodulation is not intended to replace appropriate medical evaluation or treatment. It may be incorporated as one part of a comprehensive and individualized brain-health plan.