Chapter 2
IN THIS LESSON: Safety and Tolerability
Health Professional Version
Across published randomized and open-label studies encompassing more than 5,000 tPBM sessions, no serious adverse events have been attributed to laser or light therapy. In the acute moderate TBI trial, no adverse events were referable to LLLT, and helmet application was feasible even with scalp swelling or dressings. Transcranial laser therapy has been administered safely in children as young as 2 years and in elderly adults.
Layperson Version
Across published studies—both randomized trials and open-label studies—covering more than 5,000 treatment sessions, researchers have not identified any serious side effects caused by the laser or light therapy. In the moderate brain injury trial, no side effects were linked to the low-level laser treatment, and the helmet device could still be used even when patients had scalp swelling or bandages. Doctors have also safely given head laser therapy to children as young as 2 years old and to older adults.