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European Journal of Medical Research

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Migraine | Research

Intravascular laser irradiation of blood as novel migraine treatment: an observational study

Authors: Hsin-Hung Chen, Chun-Yu Lin, Shean-Jen Chen, Wan-Yun Huang, Chien-Wei Kuo, Shin-Tsu Chang

Published in: European Journal of Medical Research | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Migraine is one of four major chronic diseases that cause disability. Decreases in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) occur during migraine attacks. Laser therapy is extensively employed in treating other vascular diseases; nevertheless, its effectiveness in migraine management remains largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of low-level intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) therapy in patients with migraine.

Methods

We performed an observational case–control study in 24 patients suffering from migraine. Patients were divided into an ILIB treatment group and a traditional rehabilitation group. This study performed clinical assessments and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) prior to and after the treatment and 1 month later. Changes in rCBF-SPECT between groups and between timepoints were compared to clinical outcomes.

Results

Nine patients undergoing rehabilitation and fifteen patients undergoing ILIB were studied from baseline to 1 month follow-up. The ILIB group, visual analog scale for pain (P = 0.001), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (P = 0.003), and Athens Insomnia Scale (P < 0.001) symptom scores significantly improved after treatment. SPECT imaging showed a 1.27 ± 0.27 fold increase in rCBF after ILIB treatment, and no significant differences in the rehabilitation group.

Conclusions

Low-level ILIB therapy is associated with better clinical and vascular outcomes, and may be a feasible treatment option for migraine. Although our sample size was small, our data provide a starting point for migraine laser therapy research.

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Title: Intravascular laser irradiation of blood as novel migraine treatment: an observational study
Authors: Hsin-Hung Chen
Chun-Yu Lin
Shean-Jen Chen
Wan-Yun Huang
Chien-Wei Kuo
Shin-Tsu Chang
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Migraine
Insomnia
Published in: European Journal of Medical Research / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2047-783X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-023-01438-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Intravascular laser irradiation of blood as novel migraine treatment: an observational study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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