Low Level Laser in the Treatment of Migraine and Traumatic Brain Injury in the Adult population

Pratibha Bansal M.D.,   Romanth Waghmarae M.D. DABA, FIPP. , Louis Banas B.S. , M.S. CLT ; Buffalo, New York,  June 2012

Note: Dr’s Bansal and Waghmarae are Board Certified Pain Management Physicians who have practicing Pain Management in Buffalo, New York for over 20 years.   Louis Banas is a laser specialist who has treated over 2500 hundred patients for chronic pain issues. He has treated over 60 adults for headaches of various types with significant success in most cases.   

Abstract:

Migraine headache due to trauma or otherwise is a major health concern worldwide with massive financial and social impact. Conventional treatments primarily focus on the prevention of further damage to the brain parenchyma, while failing to address the already existent symptoms. Previous clinical studies have shown that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can significantly reduce pain and induce temporary vasodilation in capillaries.  The authors demonstrate how LLLT can be used to improve the quality of life in patients by treating their current symptoms,. This case report illustrates the use of LLLT in the treatment of several patients with a severe headache and the clinical success achieved in the reduction of pain, as measured by VAS - achievable within 2-8 treatments.

Abstract:

Objective Information and Background.

The following case studies were followed at a Pain Management Clinic in Buffalo New York.  Pain Rehab is staffed with two board certified Pain Management Specialists who will see 300 to 400 patients weekly. Most patients were being seen do to traumatic injuries suffered at work, home or auto accident and in most cases had little or no relief with physical therapy, chiropractic, massage or surgery. Pain Rehab is very progressive in utilizing new and proven technology and reluctantly prescribes opiates and NSAIDS . All patients suffered from moderate to severe, debilitating pain on a daily basis. After a very positive evaluation of laser therapy on patients, a physical therapy clinic was added to the practice, therefore enabling this new modality to be readily available to their patients. Several patients suffering from chronic, debilitating headaches due to trauma or congenital defects were treated during a four month period. (It is important to note that headaches were just part of the overall pain complaints except for two patients noted in cases 4 and 7.) Over twenty patients were treated and only two patients out of twenty did not respond well. The treatments were performed by a laser specialist with four years of laser experience.  Listed below are a few of the significant, more interesting cases.

Case # 1.  A 28 y.o. female suffered severe whiplash in an auto injury and complained of daily, severe headaches with a vas value of 7-8 accompanied by blurred vision for a 12 month period. Laser was applied to bilateral temples and mastoid   for 2 minutes, delivering 15 joules to five sites, which included bilateral temple and mastoid sites and right cervical spine.  Patient was not able tolerate minimal cervical spine treatment. , including 6 joules per site for a 3 minute duration.  Note: Patient is African American and due to nerve damage or skin pigmentation could not tolerate prescribed dosage.   Treatment was given 3 times per week for two weeks at a reduced dosage for a total of six treatments.  Pain levels were substantially reduced and patient now only suffers 2-3 episodes per week with a vas value of 2-3.

Case #2 .  38 y.o. female, auto injury.  Previous physical therapy was unsuccessful. Patient complained of daily headaches 7-8 on the vas scale for two years.  Treatment included bilateral c-spine and right trapezium for 3 minutes time delivering 42.5 joules to each site, for a period of two weeks and levels increase to 72 joules for second week as patient healed and was more able to tolerate the procedure.  Patient received 12 treatments over a three week period and now experiences mild to moderate headaches once or twice per month.

Case 3#.  58 y.o. male was injured on the job and suffered a severe neck and left clavicle injury. Headaches were daily which were debilitating and patient reported a 7-8 level on the vas scale. Treatments of 8 sessions included 76.5 joules applied to left cervical spine and clavicle. 15 joules were applied to left cervical 1 area, after 10 treatments the headaches were entirely eliminated.

Case # 4. A 23 y.o. Female suffered from headaches 3-4 times per week since six years of age.  Patient has a high stress job as customer service representative. One treatment was applied at both temples delivering 15 joules in a two minute session. Patient was headache free for one week. 

Case#5.  A  57 y.o. female, auto injury 17 years ago and had damage to both frontal lobes. 28 Joules was applied to her forehead at two sites. Due to transportation difficulties her treatments are sporadic but after two treatments she now wakes up with minimal or no pain on most mornings.

Case #6.  A 52 y.o. male fell at work and hit back of head. Headaches occur on daily basis since accident 4 months ago.  Two treatments were performed two days apart delivering 25 joules to injured area. Patient states that headaches are significantly reduced and sleep patterns are substantially improved.

Case # 7. A 31 y.o. female former military P.A. presented herself with migraine headaches with a vas value of 7-8 on a daily basis. She has suffered with them since the age of 8.  The patient had seen several specialists including neurologists who were unable to help. The patient had military training as a physician’s assistant and realized she needed detoxing from drug overload which had been prescribed for the problem.   A single laser treatment was administered which included  48 joules at 2 sites on the forehead and 28 joules to four sites which included bilateral temple and mastoid areas.  The patient had significant relief for a 7 day period at which point she felt the change in medications was to blame. She returned for a single visit one day after the relapse and the  procedure was repeated.  The patient reported to be pain free within minutes after the procedure.  She feels she is completely healed.

Technical data:

The system utilized is the Theralase super pulsed Low Level Laser medical system. It  The system is equipped with a multiple probe hand piece (5 x 905 nm wavelength @0-100 mw average power per laser diode and 4 x 660 nm wavelength @25 mw . power per laser diode. (This allows for deep penetration of tissue when necessary with minimal heat transference to the tissue).

Healing pathways- Discussion

The majority of patients seen in this clinic have multiple injuries and headaches are a by-product of some type of trauma. Therefore, it may be safe to assume that vascular insufficiency is the main cause. A recently published a peer review paper concludes that the equipment used utilizes a 905 nm. Wavelength increasing Nitric acid up to 700 percent which expands capillary delivery of oxygenated blood. Currently Dr. Michael Whalen, working at Massachusetts General Hospital, is conducting controlled studies using a low level laser with the hopes of bringing this new technology into the forefront of neuroscience and medicine. These case studies give examples of how LLLT can be used to treat chronic migraines, specifically those that are a result of traumatic brain injuries. LLLT has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, create a state of vasodilation by activating the nitric oxide pathway and further even promote angiogenesis.

ATP production.  Cold laser has the unique ability to generate the production of ATP Adenosine Tri-phosphate through a process called biostimualtion. Vacuoles (cytochromes and chromaphores) in the mitochondria of the cell absorb specific light wavelengths causing a cascade effect which rejuvenates damaged cells lacking this essential fuel molecule. Although this may be the main pathway for treating the traumatic injures, it is arguable that the nitric oxide production is the primary source of pain reduction.

Summary. LLLT is now becoming a valuable but slowly recognized modality for acute and chronic pain as well as wound care in the United States. It has been used extensively in Canada for over 12 years.

REFERENCES

1.            Faul M, X.L., Wald MM, Coronado VG, Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. 2010.

2.            Finkelstein E, C.P., Miller T and associates, The Incidence and Economic Burden of Injuries in the United States. Oxford University Press, 2006.

3.            Sahni, T., et al., Use of hyperbaric oxygen in traumatic brain injury: retrospective analysis of data of 20 patients treated at a tertiary care centre. Br J Neurosurg, 2012. 26(2): p. 202-7.

4.            Naeser, M.A. and M.R. Hamblin, Potential for transcranial laser or LED therapy to treat stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease. Photomed Laser Surg, 2011. 29(7): p. 443-6.

5.            Moriyama, Y., et al., In vivo effects of low level laser therapy on inducible nitric oxide synthase. Lasers Surg Med, 2009. 41(3): p. 227-31.

6.            Wu, Q., et al., Low-level laser therapy for closed-head traumatic brain injury in mice: effect of different wavelengths. Lasers Surg Med, 2012. 44(3): p. 218-26.

7.             Stephan, W. et al . Efficacy of super –pulsed 905 nm Low Level Laser Therapy in the Management of

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) World Journal of Neuroscience November 2012  www.scirp.org/journal/wjnsl

For further information, please visit www.theralase.com or call 1-855-494-7246

Cancer Risk Factors

Doctors often cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance that a person will develop cancer. These are the most common risk factors for cancer:

• Growing older
• Tobacco
• Sunlight
• Ionizing radiation
• Certain chemicals and other substances
• Some viruses and bacteria
• Certain hormones
• Family history of cancer
• Alcohol
• Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight

Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible.
If you think you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss this concern with your doctor. You may want to ask about reducing your risk and about a schedule for checkups.
Over time, several factors may act together to cause normal cells to become cancerous. When thinking about your risk of getting cancer, these are some things to keep in mind:

• Not everything causes cancer.
• Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise.
• Cancer is not contagious. Although being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of some types of cancer, no one can "catch" cancer from another person.
• Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer.
• Some people are more sensitive than others to the known risk factors.

The sections below have more detailed information about the most common risk factors for cancer.

Growing Older

The most important risk factor for cancer is growing older. Most cancers occur in people over the age of 65. But people of all ages, including children, can get cancer, too.

Tobacco

Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death. Each year, more than 180,000 Americans die from cancer that is related to tobacco use.
Using tobacco products or regularly being around tobacco smoke (environmental or secondhand smoke) increases the risk of cancer.
Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop cancer of the lung, larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus, bladder, kidney, throat, stomach, pancreas, or cervix. They also are more likely to develop acute myeloid leukemia (cancer that starts in blood cells).
People who use smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) are at increased risk of cancer of the mouth.

Quitting is important for anyone who uses tobacco - even people who have used it for many years. The risk of cancer for people who quit is lower than the risk for people who continue to use tobacco. (But the risk of cancer is generally lowest among those who never used tobacco.)
Also, for people who have already had cancer, quitting may reduce the chance of getting another cancer.
There are many resources to help people stop using tobacco:

• Staff at the NCI's Smoking Quitline (1-877-44U-QUIT) and at LiveHelp (http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp) can talk with you about ways to quit smoking and about groups that help smokers who want to quit. Groups may offer counseling in person or by telephone.
• A Federal Government Web site, http://www.smokefree.gov, has an online guide to quitting smoking and a list of other resources.
• Doctors and dentists can help their patients find local programs or trained professionals who help people stop using tobacco.
• Doctors and dentists can suggest medicine or nicotine replacement therapy, such as a patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray, or inhaler.

Sunlight

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths. It causes early aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Doctors encourage people of all ages to limit their time in the sun and to avoid other sources of UV radiation:

• It is best to avoid the midday sun (from mid-morning to late afternoon) whenever possible. You also should protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice. UV radiation can penetrate light clothing, windshields, and windows.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses with lenses that absorb UV.
• Use sunscreen. Sunscreen may help prevent skin cancer, especially sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. But sunscreens cannot replace avoiding the sun and wearing clothing to protect the skin.
• Stay away from sunlamps and tanning booths. They are no safer than sunlight.

Protect yourself from the sun.

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation can cause cell damage that leads to cancer. This kind of radiation comes from rays that enter the Earth's atmosphere from outer space, radioactive fallout, radon gas, x-rays, and other sources.
Radioactive fallout can come from accidents at nuclear power plants or from the production, testing, or use of atomic weapons. People exposed to fallout may have an increased risk of cancer, especially leukemia and cancers of the thyroid, breast, lung, and stomach.
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms in soil and rocks. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. In some parts of the country, radon is found in houses. People exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer.
Medical procedures are a common source of radiation:

• Doctors use radiation (low-dose x-rays) to take pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures help to diagnose broken bones and other problems.
• Doctors use radiation therapy (high-dose radiation from large machines or from radioactive substances) to treat cancer.

The risk of cancer from low-dose x-rays is extremely small. The risk from radiation therapy is slightly higher. For both, the benefit nearly always outweighs the small risk.

You should talk with your doctor if you are concerned that you may be at risk for cancer due to radiation.
If you live in a part of the country that has radon, you may wish to test your home for high levels of the gas. The home radon test is easy to use and inexpensive. Most hardware stores sell the test kit.
You should talk with your doctor or dentist about the need for each x-ray. You should also ask about shields to protect parts of the body that are not in the picture.
Cancer patients may want to talk with their doctor about how radiation treatment could increase their risk of a second cancer later on.

Certain Chemicals and Other Substances

People who have certain jobs (such as painters, construction workers, and those in the chemical industry) have an increased risk of cancer. Many studies have shown that exposure to asbestos, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, nickel, or vinyl chloride in the workplace can cause cancer.

Follow instructions and safety tips to avoid or reduce contact with harmful substances both at work and at home. Although the risk is highest for workers with years of exposure, it makes sense to be careful at home when handling pesticides, used engine oil, paint, solvents, and other chemicals.

Some Viruses and Bacteria

Being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of developing cancer:

• Human papillomaviruses (HPVs): HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. It also may be a risk factor for other types of cancer.
• Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses: Liver cancer can develop after many years of infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
• Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV-1): Infection with HTLV-1 increases a person's risk of lymphoma and leukemia.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. People who have HIV infection are at greater risk of cancer, such as lymphoma and a rare cancer called Kaposi sarcoma.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Infection with EBV has been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma.
• Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8): This virus is a risk factor for Kaposi's sarcoma.
• Helicobacter pylori : This bacterium can cause stomach ulcers. It also can cause stomach cancer and lymphoma in the stomach lining.

Do not have unprotected sex or share needles. You can get an HPV infection by having sex with someone who is infected. You can get hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV infection from having unprotected sex or sharing needles with someone who is infected.
You may want to consider getting the vaccine that prevents hepatitis B infection. Health care workers and others who come into contact with other people's blood should ask their doctor about this vaccine.
If you think you may be at risk for HIV or hepatitis infection, ask your doctor about being tested. These infections may not cause symptoms, but blood tests can show whether the virus is present. If so, the doctor may suggest treatment. Also, the doctor can tell you how to avoid infecting other people.
If you have stomach problems, see a doctor. Infection with H. pylori can be detected and treated.

Certain Hormones

Doctors may recommend hormones (estrogen alone or estrogen along with progestin) to help control problems (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning bones) that may occur during menopause. However, studies show that menopausal hormone therapy can cause serious side effects. Hormones may increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

A woman considering menopausal hormone therapy should discuss the possible risks and benefits with her doctor.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a form of estrogen, was given to some pregnant women in the United States between about 1940 and 1971. Women who took DES during pregnancy may have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. Their daughters have an increased risk of developing a rare type of cancer of the cervix. The possible effects on their sons are under study.

Women who believe they took DES and daughters who may have been exposed to DES before birth should talk with their doctor about having checkups.

Family History of Cancer

Most cancers develop because of changes (mutations) in genes. A normal cell may become a cancer cell after a series of gene changes occur. Tobacco use, certain viruses, or other factors in a person's lifestyle or environment can cause such changes in certain types of cells.
Some gene changes that increase the risk of cancer are passed from parent to child. These changes are present at birth in all cells of the body.
It is uncommon for cancer to run in a family. However, certain types of cancer do occur more often in some families than in the rest of the population. For example, melanoma and cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, and colon sometimes run in families. Several cases of the same cancer type in a family may be linked to inherited gene changes, which may increase the chance of developing cancers. However, environmental factors may also be involved. Most of the time, multiple cases of cancer in a family are just a matter of chance.

If you think you may have a pattern of a certain type of cancer in your family, you may want to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest ways to try to reduce your risk of cancer. Your doctor also may suggest exams that can detect cancer early.
You may want to ask your doctor about genetic testing. These tests can check for certain inherited gene changes that increase the chance of developing cancer. But inheriting a gene change does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer. It means that you have an increased chance of developing the disease.

Alcohol

Having more than two drinks each day for many years may increase the chance of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that a person drinks. For most of these cancers, the risk is higher for a drinker who uses tobacco.

Doctors advise people who drink to do so in moderation. Drinking in moderation means no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Poor Diet, Lack of Physical Activity, or Being Overweight

People who have a poor diet, do not have enough physical activity, or are overweight may be at increased risk of several types of cancer. For example, studies suggest that people whose diet is high in fat have an increased risk of cancers of the colon, uterus, and prostate. Lack of physical activity and being overweight are risk factors for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus.

Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Having a healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce cancer risk. Doctors suggest the following:

• Eat well: A healthy diet includes plenty of foods that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This includes whole-grain breads and cereals and 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Also, a healthy diet means limiting foods high in fat (such as butter, whole milk, fried foods, and red meat).
• Be active and maintain a healthy weight: Physical activity can help control your weight and reduce body fat. Most scientists agree that it is a good idea for an adult to have moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days each week.

Source: National Cancer Institute

Theralase Expands Board of Directors with Strong Financing Capabilities

Toronto, Ontario – February 1, 2013 -- Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced that effective today Mr. Matthew Perraton PFP, FMA, FCSI and Mr. Guy J. Anderson BA, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, MBA have agreed to serve on the company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Perraton and Mr. Anderson join Mr. Donald Moore, Mr. Randy Bruder and Mr. Roger Dumoulin-White on the board and will be instrumental in helping Theralase secure the financing required to fuel Theralase’s growth over the next 5 to 10 years.

Mr. Perraton brings over 13 years of financial experience to Theralase, most recently as a Financial Planner for TD Waterhouse. Prior to his current position, Mr. Perraton held progressively higher positions with BMO Nesbitt Burns and Bank of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Perraton stated that, “I am delighted to join the board at Theralase, as I am absolutely convinced that Theralase is on the right path for shareholder value with both their therapeutic laser technology for healing tissue and their Photo Dynamic Compound (PDC) technology for destroying cancer. Their technology is far superior to anything I have seen on the market and properly financed I see great opportunities for Theralase in the near term”.

Mr. Anderson brings over 16 years of financial experience to Theralase, most recently as a Wealth Management and Personal Finance Advisor with the Investment Planning Counsel. Prior to his current position, Mr. Anderson held progressively higher positions with Franklin Templeton Investments Canada, T.E. Financial and Bank of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Anderson stated that, “I have followed the progress of Theralase over the last 4 to 5 years and have been amazed that the company has been able to advance such cutting-edge technology on a shoe string budget. I join Matt in saying that properly capitalized there is nothing that stands in the way of Theralase’s success. Their technology is not only the best on the market, but their management team has demonstrated an ability to survive in choppy markets and to advance the technology to the point that it is ready to grow in leaps and bounds”.

Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO, Theralase Technologies Inc. stated, “I am pleased that Matt and Guy have agreed to serve on our Board of Directors. They both have broad experience in financial management, regulatory compliance and strategic planning and both possess the vision and financial acumen to drive Theralase forward to achieve our full potential. I welcome Matt and Guy to the board and am confident that both will serve the company and the shareholders well during their tenure.”

Mr. Dumoulin-White also stated, “We are all saddened by the loss of our long time board member Mr. John “Jack” Murphy late last year  and we would like to take this opportunity to express our profound condolences to Jack’s family. He was a strong member of our team, an insightful director and always a pleasure to work with. His business judgment and knowledge will be sorely missed”.

About Theralase Technologies Inc.:

Theralase Technologies Inc., founded in 1995, designs, develops, manufactures and markets patented, superpulsed laser technology utilized in biostimulation and biodestruction applications. Theralase technology is safe and effective in treating pain, inflammation and for tissue regeneration of neural muscular skeletal conditions and wound healing. Theralase is currently developing patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) that are able to target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses when light activated by Theralase’s proprietary and patented laser technology.

 For further information please visit www.theralase.com , regulatory filings may be viewed by visiting www.sedar.com.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For More Information

Roger Dumoulin-White                                                                     

President & CEO                    

416-694-7246 ext. 225                                  

rwhite@theralase.com

Kristina Hachey

Chief Financial Officer

416-694-7246 ext. 224

khachey@theralase.com 

Arkady Mandel

Chief Scientific Officer

416-694-7246 ext. 242

amandel@theralase.com

Greg Bewsh

Director of Investor Relations

416-694-7246 ext. 258

gbewsh@theralase.com