Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2–6 years: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology
Fradkin Y, De Taboada L, Naeser M, et al.
Frontiers in Neurology · 2024
- Study type
- Randomized sham-controlled trial
- Population
- Children ages 2–6 with autism
- Source access
- Open access
A small randomized study of 30 children with autism compared active transcranial PBM with sham treatment and examined clinical scores and brain electrophysiology.
What to keep in mind
The authors reported a difference in clinical score changes favoring active treatment and no serious adverse events during the study. Mild effects were reported, including headaches, increased excitement and transient tics. The small sample and short follow-up cannot establish long-term pediatric safety or effectiveness. Device-company funding and author financial interests are disclosed; independent replication is needed.
Research information is not a prescription. Long-term pediatric transcranial PBM safety is not established by these studies; adult evidence is not a substitute for pediatric evidence. Use only under qualified clinical guidance, with device-specific safety review.
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