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Device and method for altering neurotransmitter level in brain

a neurotransmitter and level technology, applied in light therapy, radiation therapy, therapy, etc., can solve the problems of lack of accurate administration, lack of knowledge about light treatment routes, and little is known about the dose of light needed, so as to prolong the duration of positive effects of dopamine, increase the sensitivity of brain reward systems, and intense addictive qualities

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-05-30
VALKEE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a device for non-invasive / trans-cranial light therapy, which involves directing optical radiation to the brain to treat brain disorders. The device may be used to alter and control the production, release, re-uptake, and metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and / or noradrenaline in the brain. It is designed to direct optical radiation from extra-cranial positions, such as non-ocular positions, to avoid absorption in the cerebrum. The device may comprise a housing, light sources, and means for adjusting the intensity and spectral composition of the optical radiation. The invention also provides a method for treating a subject in need of light therapy by directing bright light into the ear canal for a period of 1-15 minutes. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a safe and effective way for non-invasive intra-cranial administration of light therapy for brain disorders.

Problems solved by technology

A problem with light therapy is therefore that little is known about the dose of light needed to achieve a therapeutic effect without harmful side effects, as it has been difficult to administer an accurate dose.
Lack of accurate administration has led to varying clinical trial results, and for example FDA being skeptical on approving light therapy devices.
Another problem is that little is known about which routes of light treatment are effective.

Method used

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  • Device and method for altering neurotransmitter level in brain
  • Device and method for altering neurotransmitter level in brain
  • Device and method for altering neurotransmitter level in brain

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

[0174]As an example the amount and ratio of blue and red light might be an important factor for treatment of SAD, anxiety, migraine and / or urinary incontinence. FIGS. 15A-15E show various spectral compositions of LED's of certain types that has been tested for treatment purposes.

[0175]FIG. 15A shows examples of measurement of the spectral power (Watt / nanometer) of two type “A” LED's used to treat patients. Type A spectra have been found in a number of conducted experiments to be efficient on curing SAD related symptoms. From the graph it can be seen that the blue peak wavelength is at approx. 450 nm with a half peak width of about 30 nm. The peak starts from about 410 nm and reaches to about 480 nm. The “red” peak maximum value is lower with the peak power wavelength at about 566 nm. Peak starts from about 500 nm and goes up to 630 nm. There is small additional peak at 644 nm. Additionally it has been found out that a LED spectrum resembling the spectrum in FIG. 15A has been efficie...

example 2

[0193]A study is being conducted to measure the acute effect of trans-cranial illumination on mouse brains. The aim of the study is further to measure the neuro endocrinological responses in the mouse brains.

[0194]A plurality of mice is randomized into two groups; one group is receiving trans-cranial light therapy via the auditory canals for eight minutes by means of device according to the present invention. A second group is wearing the light therapy device, however without receiving illumination from the device.

[0195]All mice are executed by cervical dislocation immediately after light therapy. Subsequently blood samples from cranial circulation and tissue samples from various neuro anatomical brain structures, PVA, Mesencephalon, Cerebral cortex, Medulla oblongata and Hippocampus are collected.

[0196]By analyzing the blood and tissue samples the amount of a number of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in the various neuro-anatomical brain structures can be determin...

example 3

[0197]The patient (male, 70 years old) had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Light therapy was applied to the patient using the device according to the invention. The light spectrum 15E1 as shown in the Figure 15E1 was applied through the ears of the patient for 12 minutes daily. During the treatment of two weeks the patient reported significant improvement, i.e. a significant reduction in symptoms related to Parkinson's. In the first phase (during first days of use) anxiety related to Parkinson's remitted. During the following weeks motor performance and cognitive speed was observed to improve and motor performance (tremor was decreased) and overall movement speed increased. Also the observer (the patient's adult son) noticed improved speech rate, increased speed of thinking and improved mood.

[0198]The patient himself reported immediate anxiolytic effect of the light therapy, and experienced that eased anxiety was related to Parkinson's also. The patient reported overall inc...

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for non-invasively applying optical radiation to photosensitive parts of the brain. In particular the present invention is directed to a device for non-invasive / trans-cranial light therapy comprising one or more radiation units adapted to direct optical radiation at one or more neuroanatomical brain structures of a user from at least one extra-cranial position below the cerebrum of the user, said device applied for use in altering and / or controlling the production, release, re-uptake and / or metabolism of dopamine or serotonin in at least one of said one or more neuroanatomical brain structures and / or in the body of the user.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to a device and a method for non-invasively applying optical radiation to photosensitive parts of the brain.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]It is well known that light has a direct effect on human health because of the way it influences the circadian rhythm. And the human (and animal) brain includes regions that can be affected by optical radiation. This may result in a metabolic or nervous responsive stimulation, which may appear as a change in concentrations of several hormones and neuro-transmitters. The light may be natural sunlight but also artificial light sources are known to have an effect. The hormone melatonin is secreted in the pineal gland as a response to light and helps to control the circadian rhythm. Secretion of melatonin peaks at night and ebbs during the day and its presence provides information about night-length. Disruption of the circadian rhythm, e.g. due to lack of daylight or crossing time zones, usually has a negative effect...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61N5/06
CPCA61N5/0618A61N5/0622A61N2005/0662A61N2005/0647A61N2005/0605
Inventor NISSILA, JUUSOAUNIO, ANTTI
Owner VALKEE
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