Is Photobiomodulation Safe for Brain Recovery?

Light therapy for the brain sounds futuristic. But photobiomodulation (PBM) — sometimes called low-level light therapy or transcranial PBM — is already being used in research and specialized clinics to support brain injury and neurological recovery. If you’re considering PBM (or have heard about it on our site or through other clinics), you likely have one question first:

Is it safe?

This post will explore the evidence, risks, benefits, and how Plasticity Brain Centers in Colorado and Florida use PBM in controlled, evidence-informed programs. We’ll also reference our own in-house resources like our photobiomodulation technology page, and related blog articles such as How Photobiomodulation Helps Ease Mal de Débarquement Symptoms and How Do I Know if Vision Therapy Will Help My Dizziness.

What is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?

Photobiomodulation uses light in the red to near-infrared (NIR) spectrum to stimulate cellular and tissue-level healing. In the brain, transcranial PBM aims to deliver light through the scalp and skull into neural tissue, triggering beneficial biological processes:

• Enhanced mitochondrial function (ATP production)

• Reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation

• Improved cerebral blood flow and vascular response

• Neuroprotective effects and possibly promotion of neural repair, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis in some contexts

On our Plasticity photobiomodulation technology page, you’ll see how we adjust wavelength, power, pulse, and duration to match different brain targets, controlled for safety.

Importantly, PBM is non-invasive and does not rely on heat or electric currents to stimulate tissue.

What does research say about safety?

1. Generally favorable safety profile

Research over decades has shown that, when used within controlled parameters, PBM is well tolerated and associated with minimal adverse effects.

One review noted that very few side effects were reported, such as mild headaches, transient abnormal sensations, or slight changes in taste, with no serious adverse events linked directly to PBM.

Trials in stroke and mood disorder patients also did not show serious device-related harms.

2. Animal and mechanistic studies

In preclinical models (e.g. rodents), PBM applied to developing brains showed no glial reactivity or pro-inflammatory changes at safe doses.

More mechanistic and imaging studies have assessed how light penetrates tissue and whether it risks heating or damaging tissue. Some modeling suggests that at commonly used doses and near-infrared wavelengths, the thermal increase is minimal.

Newer models using NIR-II wavelengths also support the notion that properly dosed PBM is safe, showing no structural or functional brain abnormalities and minimal discomfort in participants.

3. Caveats and knowledge gaps

Despite positive early safety findings, there are some caveats:

• Parameter sensitivity: Safety is closely tied to wavelength, power density, fluence, pulse timing, and exposure duration. Too much energy or improper dosing could potentially cause harm.

• Limited large randomized trials: Many studies are small, open-label, or observational. Rigorous randomized controlled trials in brain injury populations are still emerging.

• Variable penetration: Skull, scalp, and tissue scattering limit how deeply light reaches, especially for deeper brain structures.

• Device and placement risk: Errors in positioning or overexposure are theoretical concerns. Proper operator training is essential.

• Photosensitivity or interaction risks: Individuals on medications that increase light sensitivity or with conditions like skin cancer or lupus may require screening.

One balanced commentary warns against overhyping PBM without acknowledging that many promising findings in animals don’t easily translate to humans.

Why Plasticity Brain Centers uses PBM (and how we do it safely)

At Plasticity, PBM is one component of a comprehensive neurological therapy plan, not a standalone “miracle cure.” We embed it carefully within the broader context of rehabilitation (vision therapy, vestibular treatment, cognitive training, neck therapy, etc.).

Here’s how we incorporate PBM safely and effectively:

1. Individual assessment first

   Before using PBM, we conduct detailed functional diagnostics (vision/oculomotor testing, balance, brain network mapping) — similar to how we screen for whether vision therapy will help your dizziness. That ensures we target the right brain areas.

2. Parameter customization

   We select wavelength, duration, and pulse settings based on the region being treated, injury type, and patient sensitivity. This is directly aligned with how our technology page emphasizes customizing each PBM protocol.

3. Controlled dosing and monitoring

   Treatments are delivered under clinician oversight. We monitor patient tolerance, vitals, and symptom response. Any discomfort or side effect leads to immediate adjustment.

4. Integrated therapy environment

   PBM is often combined with movement, visual tasks, balance challenges, or cognitive tasks to reinforce neuroplastic change. It doesn’t replace evidence-based therapy — it augments it.

5. Ongoing evaluation and adaption

   We track metrics across sessions. If needed, we shift dosing, timing, and placement. Safety remains the priority.

   
   

When used this way, we help patients in Colorado and Florida accelerate recovery, improve brain energy and connect brain networks more efficiently — without relying on invasive interventions.

In fact, in our broader treatment protocols (like in our “Best Treatments for TBI” overview), PBM is one of several non-invasive tools we use to support healing and performance.

What to expect: benefits vs. risks

Potential benefits (when properly applied)

• Reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

• Better mitochondrial energy generation

• Enhanced blood flow and oxygen delivery

• Improved neural connectivity and network stability

• Complementary gains when combined with vision, vestibular, and cognitive therapies

Some case reports and early series show reduced symptoms (e.g. headache, brain fog, dizziness) in TBI or concussion populations.

Possible, generally mild risks

• Temporary headache or worsened symptoms (rare)

• Sensations of warmth, tingling, or odd tastes (rare)

• Slight increase in blood pressure (minor and clinically insignificant in one study)

• Skin irritation or redness at the application site (especially on scalp skin)

• In very rare cases, if dosing is misapplied, theoretical thermal risk (which is why our dosing control is strict)

Overall, in published trials, serious adverse events attributable to PBM are extremely rare or nonexistent.

Special considerations for Colorado and Florida

• High altitude (Colorado): Oxygenation and vascular dynamics differ; ensuring cerebral oxygen delivery is crucial, so coupling PBM with attention to hydration, blood pressure, and breathing becomes more important.

• Heat / humidity (Florida): Overheating or systemic stress can worsen symptoms; we ensure sessions are climate-controlled and monitor how patients respond under environmental stress.

• Traveler patients: Many clients travel from across the U.S. to our Colorado or Florida centers to access our integrated PBM + neurorehab protocols.

Summary: Is photobiomodulation safe for brain recovery?

Yes — when applied properly, within controlled parameters, and delivered by experienced clinicians — photobiomodulation is considered safe and well-tolerated for brain recovery. The current body of research supports a favorable safety profile, though large-scale trials are still needed to fill knowledge gaps.

At Plasticity Brain Centers, we treat PBM not as a gimmick, but as a specialized, precision tool within a robust neurological rehabilitation framework. We balance efficacy and safety by customizing parameters, monitoring response, and integrating it with vision, vestibular, and cognitive therapies.

If you’re curious whether PBM is right for your brain recovery, especially after concussion, TBI, or chronic symptoms, the best next step is a functional neurological evaluation with a clinic that understands PBM’s nuance.

We’d be happy to walk through whether you’re a candidate and how we’d use PBM safely as part of your treatment plan.