Rethinking Concussion Recovery
Rest Is Not the Whole Story
Sleep. Dark rooms. No playing sports.
This is what comes to mind for most people when they think of concussion recovery. While rest is essential, recovery from a concussion is not simply about “waiting for symptoms to fade.” In fact, an estimated 50% of patients continue to experience symptoms of a head injury for up to a year or longer after their injury (Machamer et al., 2022).
For many people, that’s when frustration sets in: The scans look normal. But you don’t feel normal.
Inside the Injured Brain and Emerging Supports
A concussion – also called a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) – sets off a complex biological response in the brain. Researchers describe this as a neurometabolic cascade, involving disruptions in energy production, blood flow, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autonomic nervous system regulation (Giza & Hovda, 2014).
Standard care focuses on symptom monitoring and a gradual return to activity. But as research advances, clinicians are increasingly interested in supportive strategies that address the underlying biology of concussion – not just the symptoms.
One emerging area of interest is transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) – often referred to as red light therapy or near-infrared light therapy for the brain. Research suggests this technology supports recovery of the underlying deficits resulting from a concussion, and can be a promising tool for symptom management.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What happens biologically after a concussion
- How light therapy interacts with brain tissue
- What current research says about photobiomodulation for TBI
- How light therapy may complement nutritional support strategies such as Concussion911
What Happens in the Brain After a Concussion?
Immediately following a concussion, the brain enters a neurometabolic cascade that includes (Giza & Hovda, 2014):
- Sudden ion imbalance
- Increased glutamate release
- Elevated metabolic demand
- Reduced cerebral blood flow
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Increased oxidative stress
- Neuroinflammatory signaling
In simple terms:
The brain suddenly needs more energy at the exact moment it becomes less able to produce it.
This mismatch – often described as a “brain energy crisis” – may contribute to symptoms such as (Giza & Hovda, 2014):
- Headaches that won’t fully go away.
- Brain fog that makes simple tasks feel harder than they should.
- Fatigue that doesn’t match your activity level.
- Sleep disruption leaves you feeling unrested.
- Light sensitivity that makes going outside difficult.
- Emotional dysregulation makes emotions feel all-consuming.
For many individuals, this resolves within weeks. For others, symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery window, contributing to what is often termed post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Understanding and supporting the biological mechanisms involved in this energy crisis is an active area of research.
What Is Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM)?
Transcranial photobiomodulation is a non-invasive brain-directed light therapy that uses red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths applied to the scalp.
Unlike surgical lasers or heat-based treatments, this light does not burn or damage tissue. In fact, most people feel nothing at all during a session. tPBM uses red and near-infrared light that interacts with cellular structures – particularly mitochondria – inside neurons to increase energy production.
Near-infrared wavelengths (typically ~800-1064 nm) are capable of penetrating:
- Skin
- Skull
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Superficial cortical tissue
This allows light to reach areas such as the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive function, mood regulation, and cognitive processing.
Rather than “stimulating” the brain in a forceful way, tPBM supports foundational cellular processes already at work.
How Light Therapy May Support Concussion Recovery
1. Supporting Mitochondrial Energy Production
Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmark features of concussion (Giza & Hovda, 2014). Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy currency that powers neural communication and repair.
Think of ATP as the battery charge of your neurons.
After a concussion, that battery is drained and slow to recharge.
Photobiomodulation interacts with cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Experimental research suggests that near-infrared light may (Hamblin, 2018):
- Improve oxidative phosphorylation
- Increase ATP production
- Support cellular repair processes
- Increase circulation
- Decrease inflammation
By supporting mitochondrial efficiency, tPBM may help address the post-injury energy deficit.
2. Increasing Cerebral Blood Flow
Reduced cerebral blood flow is commonly observed after concussion (Wang et al., 2016).
Near-infrared light has been associated with nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, which may:
- Improve cerebral perfusion
- Enhance oxygen delivery
- Support metabolic recovery
Improved blood flow may help restore the balance between energy supply and demand in the recovering brain (Salehpour et al., 2018).
3. Modulating Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress
Inflammation plays a role in both acute concussion and persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Preclinical and early clinical research suggests photobiomodulation may (Hamblin, 2017):
- Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Decrease oxidative stress
- Activate protective cellular signaling pathways
By reducing inflammatory burden, the neural environment may become more supportive of recovery.
4. Supporting Functional Connectivity and Cognitive Recovery
Functional MRI research suggests low-level light therapy may influence network connectivity in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Several studies report improvements in cognitive performance following transcranial light therapy including (Naeser et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2025):
- Gains in sustained attention, executive function and memory
- Improved visual working memory and verbal learning
- Increased sleep quality
- Reduction of physical post‑concussion symptoms, pain, and PTSD symptoms
These findings, along with many others, suggest that light therapy for concussion may support network-level organization and functional recovery.
Importantly, photobiomodulation is studied as an adjunctive therapy, not a replacement for standard concussion care.
Safety Considerations for Light Therapy After Concussion
Transcranial photobiomodulation is generally considered:
- Non-invasive
- Non-thermal
- Low-risk when used appropriately
However:
- Protocols vary by device
- Dosing matters
- Professional oversight is recommended
As with any intervention following brain injury, light therapy should be discussed with a healthcare provider experienced in concussion management.
Why a Multi-Modal Concussion Recovery Approach Matters
Concussion rarely affects just one system and often benefits from a multimodal recovery plan. For instance, Concussion911, formulated for use within 72 hours of injury, provides nutrients chosen to support the brain’s response to acute concussion. The 5 essential post-concussion nutrients for the brain include…
- Magnesium Threonate – to support cognitive function
- Curcumin – helps reduce inflammation
- NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – supports antioxidant defenses and cellular repair.
- Omega-3s (DHA/EPA) – helps maintain healthy brain cells and communication.
- Exogenous Ketones – provides an alternative energy source for the brain.
When paired with tPBM – which targets cellular energy production involved in repair and recovery – this combination may help support brain healing after injury. Read more about the best nutrients for concussion recovery here.
In addition to supplementation and nutrient support, other adjunct therapies many providers use to support a mutli-modal approach to recovery include:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Vestibular training
- Neurofeedback
A Biology-Focused Adjunct for Concussion Recovery
At its core, concussion recovery is about restoring balance in:
- Energy production
- Blood flow
- Inflammation
- Neural communication
tPBM directly targets several of these biological domains through non-invasive near-infrared light.
When combined with targeted nutritional support such as Concussion911 and appropriate clinical oversight, light therapy may help support the brain’s natural recovery processes.
Research continues to evolve but the biological rationale is compelling, and clinical interest in light therapy for concussion and TBI is steadily growing.
Exploring Brain-Directed Light Therapy Technology
If you’re interested in learning more about how transcranial photobiomodulation is being applied in clinical and home settings, you can explore brain-directed light therapy devices at:
Neuronic develops near-infrared devices specifically engineered for brain applications and works with clinicians, researchers, and integrative health providers worldwide.
References
Giza, C. C., & Hovda, D. A. (2014). The new neurometabolic cascade of concussion. Neurosurgery, 75(Suppl. 4), S24–S33. https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0000000000000505
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Mechanisms and mitochondrial redox signaling in photobiomodulation. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 94(2), 199–212. https://doi.org/10.1111/php.12864
Machamer, J., Temkin, N., Dikmen, S., Nelson, L. D., Barber, J., Hwang, P., Boase, K., Stein, M. B., Sun, X., Giacino, J., McCrea, M. A., Taylor, S. R., Jain, S., & Manley, G. (2022). Symptom frequency and persistence in the first year after traumatic brain injury: A TRACK-TBI study. Journal of Neurotrauma, 39(5–6), 358–370. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2021.0348
Lee, T.-L., Chan, D. Y.-C., Chan, D. T.-M., Cheung, M.-C., Shum, D. H.-K., & Chan, A. S.-Y. (2025). Transcranial photobiomodulation improves cognitive function, post-concussion, and PTSD symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 42(19–20), 1695–1707. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2025.0048
Naeser, M. A., Saltmarche, A., Krengel, M. H., Hamblin, M. R., & Knight, J. A. (2011). Improved cognitive function after transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: Two case reports. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 29(5), 351–358. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2010.2814
Salehpour, F., Majdi, A., Pazhuhi, M., Ghasemi, F., Khademi, M., Pashazadeh, F., Hamblin, M. R., & Cassano, P. (2019). Transcranial photobiomodulation improves cognitive performance in young healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 37(10), 635–643. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4673
Wang, Y., Nelson, L. D., LaRoche, A. A., Pfaller, A. Y., Nencka, A. S., Koch, K. M., & McCrea, M. A. (2016). Cerebral blood flow alterations in acute sport-related concussion. Journal of Neurotrauma, 33(13), 1227–1236. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2015.4072