iMediSync PBM case study
Depression and Brain Waves
Mood swings are natural coping mechanisms of the brain when facing stressful or difficult situations. However, remaining in a low mood for extended periods of time may deteriorate normal brain functions, producing a negative impact on the individual. Depression is related to a defficiency in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These deficiencies have different effects on the brain activity, which is reflected on EEG. For example, patients diagnosed with depression often display slow brainwave activity at three different levels. The graph shows an excessive Alpha wave in the frontal lobe (green), a more slow Alpha wave (blue), and an excessive slow Theta wave also in the frontal lobe.
PBM Effect - Individual Case
The Topomap Report shows the differences pre and post Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Prior to therapy, a 47-year-old female diagnosed with severe depression displayed slow Delta and Theta waves. After two months of treatment, both Delta and Theta waves have increased. By this stage, the improvement in depression was noticeable, making it possible for the patient to walk and exercise, recovering from the bedridden period.
PBM Effect - Group Study
Twenty-one patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (9 males, 12 females) were divided into control and treatment groups. The treatment group was exposed to 823 nm near-infrared light applied bilaterally to the scalp overlying the frontal lobes twice weekly for 8 weeks. Among the 13 subjects who completed the study, those treated with near-infrared light (PBM) showed a positive, medium to large effect size, and this effect was significantly greater in them than in the individuals in the control group.