Treating Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms with Photobiomodulation Therapy: Improvement in Cognition and Other Symptoms Both Subjectively and Objectively by ImPACT® Test.

Objective: This research evaluates the use of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) as a viable treatment modality for post-concussion symptoms secondary to a traumatic brain injury and the use of the ImPACT® test to assess improvement in cognition and symptomatology in patients treated with PBMT. Background: Several studies have detailed the efficacy of PBMT as a treatment for concussions. As there are no widely accepted imaging or laboratory modalities that document concussive injuries, monitoring improvement objectively proves difficult. ImPACT® is a computer based neurocognitive assessment meant to measure cognitive performance for concussion injuries. This study uses ImPACT® as a means to document an improvement in symptomatology for patients with post-concussion symptoms. Methods: : This retrospective study reviews patient performance in the ImPACT® test in a cohort of 35 patients who are diagnosed with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI) and experiencing post-concussive symptoms. Patient initially took the Post Injury 1 test then underwent PBMT therapy using the BIOFLEX DUO+ system three times a week for 4 weeks using approved parameters for treatment of the cervical spine soft tissue injuries. After the 4 week treatment, patients took the Post Injury 2 test and the results were compared. Results: : By using PBM all the patients were improved clinically and their Post injury 2 ImPACT® test results were significantly better compared to their Post injury 1 ImPACT® test results. Conclusion: PBMT is an effective treatment modality for neurological rehabilitation in patients with Post-Concussion symptoms and ImPACT® is an appropriate and objective measure to monitor and assess improvement.