Understanding Red Light Therapy in Epilepsy: The Latest Scientific Insights

We aren’t making any claims in this article, we are simply sharing research. 

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the eight available animal studies on red light therapy for epilepsy, along with additional context to better understand the findings.

This article reviews the current scientific publications on red light therapy for epilepsy while also highlighting the significant gaps in our knowledge. Unfortunately, the unknowns in this area remain substantial. The evidence suggests a clear need for further research, as experimental observations often outpace what has been formally validated in published studies.

Epilepsy vs. Seizures: Understanding the Key Distinctions

First, it's important to clarify the basics: seizures and epilepsy are not the same. A person can experience seizures without having epilepsy. Likewise, someone diagnosed with epilepsy may not experience active seizures if the condition is well managed—though the underlying risk remains.

Seizures that occur independently of epilepsy can result from factors such as stroke, low blood sugar, or head trauma (3). When seizures occur without an identifiable cause, the condition is classified as epilepsy (1; 2; 3). Epilepsy is typically characterized by recurrent episodes, meaning that without appropriate intervention, seizures are likely to happen again (3).

Understanding the Fundamentals of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is often associated with abnormal or excessive brain activity (3). Seizures can be classified as either partial (focal) or generalized (3), with partial seizures sometimes progressing into generalized ones.

There are also various classification systems used to describe types of epilepsy. For example, idiopathic epilepsy refers to cases with no identifiable structural or metabolic cause, while cryptogenic epilepsy refers to cases where a cause is suspected but not yet confirmed (4). In contrast, seizures caused by identifiable issues—such as injury, infection, or metabolic disturbances—are typically not classified as epilepsy and often resolve once the underlying cause is treated (5).

Diagnosing epilepsy involves ruling out identifiable causes of seizures (6). This typically includes EEG and MRI scans to determine whether another underlying condition is present (6). If no clear cause is found and clinical symptoms align, a diagnosis of epilepsy is made—based on thorough evaluation by medical professionals (8). A recent review highlights why this diagnostic process is so critical:

"Misdiagnosis of non-epileptic events as epilepsy may not only defer the correct diagnosis and treatment but also poses additional risk by prescribing antiepileptic drugs unnecessarily. Moreover, missing the diagnosis of epilepsy implies risk of additional seizures and therefore possibly injuries, sudden death in people with epilepsy, or status epilepticus. Studies have shown that patient and witness accounts are unreliable in a high percentage of cases. Therefore, the core competency of doctors and medical professionals assessing [sudden attack] events is knowledge of the clinical features that help define the different [causes], thus empowering them to establish the most accurate appraisal of an event." (6).

In summary, accurate initial diagnosis is essential, as both treatment decisions and further evaluation depend on it—and failing to treat or mismanaging the condition can have serious consequences. Seizures are also likely underreported and frequently misdiagnosed (7). Factors such as stigma, limited awareness, and diagnostic errors contribute to this issue. For example, mild seizures may be mistaken for anxiety or migraines, leading to delays in appropriate care.

Understanding and Managing Epilepsy

Epilepsy most commonly begins in childhood or early adulthood, with men being slightly more affected than women (9). This age-related onset underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Interestingly, the risk of developing epilepsy rises again later in life (16).

Despite this, an estimated 90% of individuals in low-income countries go without treatment for epilepsy (10). That’s especially concerning given that untreated seizures and ongoing epilepsy are linked to a higher risk of mortality over time (11; 12; 13).

Researchers have identified several underlying mechanisms involved in epilepsy, particularly related to brain signaling chemicals like GABA (which promotes relaxation) and glutamate (which stimulates activity) (14). Acetylcholine, associated with inhibitory functions, also plays a role (14). Genetics are another key factor, with certain types of epilepsy showing stronger hereditary links than others (15).

That said, epilepsy treatment remains complex, with no one-size-fits-all solution. However, the landscape is rapidly evolving. As one recent review puts it:

"Traditional antiseizure medications (ASMs) form the cornerstone of epilepsy treatment, but their limitations necessitate alternative approaches. [C]utting-edge therapies such as responsive neurostimulation (RNS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), highlighting their mechanisms of action and promising clinical outcomes. Additionally, the potential of gene therapies and optogenetics in epilepsy research is discussed, revealing groundbreaking findings that shed light on seizure mechanisms. Insights into cannabidiol (CBD) and the ketogenic diet as adjunctive therapies further broaden the spectrum of epilepsy management. Challenges in achieving seizure control with traditional therapies, including treatment resistance and individual variability, are addressed. The importance of staying updated with emerging trends in epilepsy management is emphasized, along with the hope for improved therapeutic options. Future research directions, such as combining therapies, AI applications, and non-invasive optogenetics, hold promise for personalized and effective epilepsy treatment." (17).

A wide range of treatment options is emerging in the field—ranging from dietary changes and vagus nerve stimulation devices to CBD oil and more. While current anti-seizure medications often come with side effects, they are frequently essential to help manage or prevent the more serious consequences of seizures and epilepsy (18; 19; 20).

Here’s how a recent review outlines the associated risks:

"Antiseizure medications vary in their capacities to affect the brain and peripheral nerves, hormones, bone mineralization, cardiovascular risk, renal health, hepatic, hematological, and dermatological systems." (19)

That said, with new treatment avenues emerging, the outlook for epilepsy is becoming increasingly hopeful.

In some cases, management can be surprisingly simple—for instance, avoiding known visual triggers like flashing screens (21). But for others, especially individuals who may not respond well to standard medications (22), treatment can be far more complex.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If there were, we wouldn’t see such a wide range of ongoing research and experimentation across therapeutic strategies.

To start, let’s explore a few key physiological systems where specific abnormalities have been linked to epilepsy:

Could Mitochondrial Dysfunction Be Fueling Epilepsy?

Mitochondria—the “energy factories” of the cell—play a critical role in overall health, and emerging research suggests they may be closely tied to epilepsy. In fact, there’s even a recognized condition known as mitochondrial epilepsy (23; 24; 25). Studies show that 35–60% of individuals with mitochondrial disorders also experience seizures (23). Even in epilepsy not directly caused by mitochondrial disease, dysfunction in these cellular powerhouses is often involved (23). Since both the brain and muscles are highly energy-dependent tissues rich in mitochondria, it's not surprising that they’re commonly affected in seizure-related conditions (24).

Just like every other cell in the body, neurons—your nervous system’s key players—rely heavily on energy to function properly. When their energy metabolism is disrupted, it can increase the risk of seizures and epilepsy.

In addition, mitochondria naturally produce oxidative stress as a byproduct of generating energy. While some oxidative stress is normal (and even necessary), excessive levels can become harmful. Research shows that individuals with epilepsy often have altered oxidative stress levels compared to the general population (25; 26; 27; 28).

The encouraging part?

Red light therapy has been widely shown to influence oxidative stress in a powerful way—across a variety of settings and conditions (29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34). We’ll explore that in more depth later, but for now, it’s important to note: this mechanism may be one of the key ways red light therapy shows potential in supporting individuals with epilepsy.

Let’s now turn to another closely related topic:

Is Brain Inflammation Fueling Seizures?

Oxidative stress and inflammation often go hand in hand. When oxidative stress builds up beyond what your body’s defenses can manage, it leads to cellular damage. That damage, in turn, signals the immune system to kick in—which brings inflammation along with it. Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-way street: inflammation itself can further increase oxidative stress, creating a harmful loop.

This cycle is a core driver in many chronic conditions—like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. In epilepsy, inflammation takes a specific form: neuroinflammation, or inflammation of the brain and nervous system  (35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40).

This relationship is complex—but important. Fortunately, research has shown that red light therapy can reduce neuroinflammation in a variety of animal studies (41; 42; 43; 44; 45), which could point to a promising future application in epilepsy care.

Neuroinflammation isn’t just linked to epilepsy itself—it also connects to common co-occurring issues like anxiety and depression (35). In some cases, it may even be a contributing factor in the development of epilepsy. As one group of researchers puts it:

"neuroinflammation can contribute to seizure onset and recurrence by increasing neuronal excitability. Notably, microglia and astrocytes can promote neuroinflammation and seizure susceptibility. In fact, inflammatory mediators released by glial cells might enhance neuronal excitation and cause drug resistance and seizure recurrence." (36).

There are several ways inflammation can raise the risk of seizures. One notable example is its potential to disrupt the blood-brain barrier (39). The straightforward approach? Reducing inflammation overall—something red light therapy is widely known to support.

Now that you’ve got a solid foundation on seizures and epilepsy, let’s dive into the existing research on how red light therapy might play a role.

What Animal Studies Reveal About Red Light Therapy for Seizures

As mentioned earlier, there are currently only eight animal studies and three review papers exploring red light therapy for epilepsy. Let’s break down each of the animal studies first, one by one:

• One rat study comparing 808 nm and 940 nm wavelengths found that red light therapy helped inhibit epileptic activity and prevented the progression toward seizures (40). The rats were given kainic acid, a compound that stimulates the nervous system and heightens seizure risk—yet that risk was significantly reduced with light therapy. The light was applied transcranially (through the brain), and the results demonstrated notable neuroprotective effects.
• Next, a study used 825 nm light applied transcranially at 40 mW/cm², delivering a total dose of 15.2 J/cm² (41). The researchers also conducted in vitro (Petri dish) experiments using 850 nm light. The results from both approaches were highly encouraging:

"[Red light therapy] upregulated [the connections between brain cells] in an in vitro. In addition, it was confirmed that transcranial [red light therapy] reduced synaptic degeneration, neuronal apoptosis [the death of brain cells], and neuroinflammation in an in vivo. These effects of [red light therapy] were supported by RNA sequencing results showing the relation of [red light therapy] with gene regulatory networks of neuronal functions. [B]ehavioral alterations including hypoactivity, anxiety and impaired memory were recovered along with the reduction of seizure score in [red light therapy]-treated mice." (41).

• These findings suggest that various mechanisms are at play in supporting brain function and reducing seizure activity, showing that brain health improves and epilepsy is positively addressed!
• Next, a mouse study investigated the effects of 830 nm light (42). The results showed that abnormal brain cell growth was brought back to normal, and nerve cell degeneration was significantly reduced. Researchers applied the light at 50 mW/cm² to the skin and 32 mW/cm² to the brain, delivering a total dose of 36 J/cm².
• Another study used 808 nm light applied to the skull in rats (43). To induce seizures, researchers administered a drug called pentylenetetrazol. Remarkably, the light therapy reduced neuroinflammation in the hippocampus—a brain region critical for memory and closely linked to seizure activity. It also helped suppress two key markers of brain damage: astrogliosis and microgliosis. A relatively high dose of 133.3 J/cm² was used in this study.
• Another transcranial rat study using 808 nm light demonstrated reductions in both the frequency and duration of seizures (44). When combined with a low dose of valproic acid—an anticonvulsant—the results were notably positive. Interestingly, higher doses of the medication had counterproductive effects. The study used an exceptionally high power output of 1,333 mW/cm². This suggests that the combination of low-dose valproic acid and red light therapy may offer a promising approach to managing seizures in rats.
• Next, a study using 780 nm transcranial light therapy in rats(45) reported reductions in both seizure duration and overall seizure risk. However, the study provided limited details on specific treatment parameters.
• In another study, rats were once again given pentylenetetrazol to induce seizures, but 808 nm light therapy helped counteract the effects(46). Impressively, it even reduced the incidence of prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) and lowered mortality.
• Finally, a separate 808 nm study (47) also used medication to trigger seizures. Following light therapy, researchers observed notable neurochemical shifts and changes in key neurotransmitters—highlighting red light’s potential influence on brain signaling.

That’s it for now! Unfortunately, no human studies are available yet. And while the animal research is incredibly promising, the gold standard remains that replication in human trials is where we need to go now.

Why is that so important?

• The thing is that rats and mice have very different brains compared to humans — so the results seen in animal studies may not always translate directly to people.
• Another big factor? Skull thickness. Rodents have much thinner skulls, which means light can penetrate more easily. In humans, the thicker skull creates a barrier that could reduce effectiveness.
• Additionally, researchers are understandably cautious. With epilepsy, there’s a real concern about triggering seizures — so clinical studies in humans must proceed carefully and ethically. That takes time.
• And then there’s the cost. Human studies for epilepsy would likely need to run over extended periods and may require individualized dosing, since epilepsy isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. That’s very different from conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, where protocols can sometimes be more standardized.

What the Reviews Say About Red Light Therapy for Epilepsy

Let’s take a closer look at what the current reviews have to say on this topic (48; 49). A third review, authored by Professor Michael Hamblin, is also available, though the full text is not freely accessible (50).

Starting with the 2023 review: it highlights that red light therapy shows potential for both neuroprotection and seizure reduction (48). The authors explain—quite clearly—why this form of therapy could be particularly significant when it comes to addressing epilepsy:

"However, ~30% of patients are unresponsive to the drugs, while the surgery option is invasive and has a morbidity risk. Hence, there is a need for the development of an effective non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment for this disorder, one that has few side effects. In this review, we consider the effectiveness of a potential new treatment for epilepsy, known as photobiomodulation, the use of red to near-infrared light on body tissues. Recent studies in animal models have shown that photobiomodulation reduces seizure-like activity and improves neuronal survival. Further, it has an excellent safety record, with little or no evidence of side effects, and it is non-invasive." (48)

Red light therapy stands out as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive option—making it relatively easy to apply (51). According to research, it may help suppress seizure activity in the brain by modulating neuronal patterns. Even when seizures do occur, light therapy appears to support neuron survival (51).

The authors also emphasize its user-friendly nature (51). While that’s certainly promising, it’s best to remain cautious about offering a blanket recommendation at this stage. As encouraging as the current evidence may be, we still need high-quality human clinical trials before red light therapy can be broadly recommended for epilepsy.

Next, the second review (49) explores an important angle: mitochondrial dysfunction—a topic that was discussed earlier in connection with epilepsy (52). The authors highlight how red light therapy can directly address mitochondrial issues, enhancing cellular energy production in the process (52). They also emphasize its neuroprotective potential and its ability to support neurocognitive functions that are often impaired in epilepsy (52).

This layered and compelling line of research naturally brings us to the next big question:

Hope or Hype? Can Red Light Therapy Play a Role in Epilepsy Support?

Yes and no. Unfortunately, without human studies it’s premature to say that red light is safe for epilepsy but we’re close!

Red light therapy can influence neuroplasticity in the brain. However, there’s a risk of overstimulating certain regions if not applied properly. In a clinical setting—under medical supervision—red light can be strategically combined with other approaches, such as direct current (DC) stimulation. That said, the risks and complexities may outweigh the benefits without professional guidance.

So, if you've experienced a stroke, live with epilepsy, or are recovering from a traumatic brain injury, let’s be clear: treatment recommendations are not being offered just yet—not until we have a few solid human studies to guide us. But the consensus is that we should all be incredibly optimistic about where this research is heading. The early animal studies are genuinely encouraging, and they give us reason to keep watching this space closely.

The Road Ahead: Red Light Therapy as a Potential Epilepsy Intervention

Research shows that red light therapy may influence seizures through several key mechanisms commonly linked to its broader therapeutic effects, including:

• Mitochondria
• Oxidative stress
• (Neuro)-inflammation
• Neuronal health and cell survival

The next step is initiating pilot studies with a small group of participants to observe early effects. These initial studies may not yet reach the level of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—the gold standard in medical research—but a preliminary test is warranted, and they serve as crucial groundwork.

Even at this stage, pilot studies can provide valuable insights into which devices work best, ideal treatment frequency, wavelengths, power outputs, and session durations. They can also begin to explore the effects of combining red light therapy with other modalities.

Of course, red light therapy may not be necessary for every type of epilepsy. However, given its non-invasive nature and cost-effectiveness, it's a compelling option worth exploring.

One challenge is that full regulatory approval could take time. A good example is the UK’s adoption of red light therapy for oral mucositis—a side effect of cancer treatment. Despite strong human research supporting its effectiveness, it took years for that approach to gain traction.

Mainstream medicine tends to move slowly, which can be frustrating—especially when promising options are on the horizon. That’s why hopefully once the first human trials on red light therapy for epilepsy are published, informed individuals may begin carefully exploring its use through supervised self-experimentation.

Also, it’s essential to optimize other aspects of your lifestyle and nutrition alongside any therapy. For example, emerging research suggests a strong connection between circadian rhythm and epilepsy (53; 54; 55; 56). It’s worth it to take a look at what’s out there.

Your circadian rhythm is the body’s internal 24-hour clock, primarily responding to light exposure through the eyes. Supporting this rhythm with healthy sleep habits, light hygiene, and balanced routines can make a meaningful difference.

Without being a medical expert on seizures or epilepsy, it’s clear from the research that lifestyle factors can influence both risk and progression. Even though some cases may seem like sheer bad luck, healthier habits almost always lead to better outcomes overall.

Still Searching: The Optimal Lighting for Epilepsy Remains Uncertain

So, this probably isn’t the conclusion you expected. There’s no finalized brain light therapy protocol here, and we still don’t have a definitive answer to all of the questions looming out there.

At this point, we simply need more high-quality research before making confident recommendations. That means suggesting a specific treatment protocol isn’t in the cards just yet. However, you are encouraged to consult experienced clinicians who specialize in red light therapy and have worked with neurological conditions, including epilepsy.

In the meantime, your best move is to focus on proven holistic health strategies—optimizing sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, and light exposure. These foundational steps can make a meaningful difference across nearly every health condition.