Vascular photobiomodulation (VPBM) shows promise in alleviating persistent headaches following COVID-19 infection, according to a recent randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The study, published in Scientific Reports, investigated the effectiveness of VPBM in reducing pain among patients experiencing long COVID-19 related headaches.
The trial involved 34 participants who received either VPBM treatment or a sham VPBM. While initial analysis of the entire group did not reveal statistically significant differences, a closer look at participants completing all four treatment sessions (per-protocol analysis) showed notable improvements in pain sensation in both groups as measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Gradual Pain Reduction with VPBM
Notably, the VPBM treatment group experienced a gradual and consistent reduction in pain over the course of the sessions, with the lowest pain scores reported after the final session. Researchers suggest this aligns with existing literature on VPBM's effects and the potential causes of persistent post-COVID-19 tension-type headache (TTH).
"These results are consistent with those found in the literature regarding the effects of VPBM and the plausible causes of persistent post-COVID-19 TTH," the authors noted. They hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 may trigger a hyperinflammatory state, leading to persistent immune system activation.
VPBM's mechanism of action may involve modulating the inflammatory process by acting on the superoxide dismutase enzyme, restricting prostaglandin production, and stimulating mitochondrial components. This can lead to improved blood circulation, increased oxygen intake, and enhanced ATP synthesis.
Impact on Daily Living
The study also assessed the impact of headaches on daily activities using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) questionnaires. Initial data revealed a severe impact on daily living for both groups, with 66.7% in the VPBM group and 68.8% in the control group reporting significant challenges. After the four-session protocol, both groups showed reduced impact on daily activities, although the reduction was not statistically significant.
However, the BPI data indicated a noteworthy reduction in pain scores within the VPBM group, particularly concerning average pain experienced in the previous week and the interference of pain during essential activities such as walking, working, sleeping, and enjoying life. This suggests that VPBM may improve the overall quality of life for patients experiencing post-COVID-19 headaches.
Limitations and Future Directions
The study acknowledges several limitations, including the lack of existing literature on treating headache and orofacial pain (OFP) due to long COVID-19, which made determining an ideal sample size challenging. The authors also point out that the protocol may not have been specific enough for the condition under treatment, as this was the first clinical trial of VPBM for COVID-19-related headache and OFP.
Despite these limitations, the researchers believe the study provides valuable insights and can help inform future clinical trials on this subject. They emphasize the need for further research to optimize VPBM protocols and explore its potential benefits for managing post-COVID-19 headache and related symptoms.
