Device and method for providing phototherapy to the brain

Abstract

A therapy apparatus for treating a patient's brain is provided. The therapy apparatus includes a light source having an output emission area positioned to irradiate a portion of the brain with an efficacious power density and wavelength of light. The therapy apparatus further includes an element interposed between the light source and the patient's scalp. The element is adapted to inhibit temperature increases at the scalp caused by the light.

1 . A therapy apparatus for treating a patient's brain, the therapy apparatus comprising: 
 a plurality of light sources, each light source having an output emission area positioned to irradiate a corresponding portion of the brain with an efficacious power density and wavelength of light; and    an element interposed between the light sources and the patient's scalp, the element inhibiting temperature increases at the scalp caused by the light.    
     
     
         2 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the portions of the brain corresponding to the light sources overlap one another.  
     
     
         3 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is in a reclining position.  
     
     
         4 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light passes through the element prior to reaching the scalp.  
     
     
         5 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the element is wearable on the patient's scalp.  
     
     
         6 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the element comprises a cap.  
     
     
         7 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the element is substantially optically transmissive at the wavelength and reduces back reflections of the light.  
     
     
         8 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the element fits to the scalp so as to substantially reduce air gaps between the scalp and the element.  
     
     
         9 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the element comprises a material having a refractive index which substantially matches a refractive index of the scalp.  
     
     
         10 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the element cools the scalp.  
     
     
         11 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the element blanches at least a portion of the scalp and decreases absorption of the light by blood in the scalp.  
     
     
         12 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the element diffuses the light prior to reaching the scalp.  
     
     
         13 . A therapy apparatus for treating brain tissue, the therapy apparatus comprising: 
 a plurality of light sources, each light source positioned to irradiate at least a corresponding portion of a patient's head with light having a wavelength and power density which penetrates the cranium to deliver an efficacious amount of light to brain tissue; and    a material which inhibits temperature increases of the head.    
     
     
         14 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the material is worn on the head.  
     
     
         15 . The therapy apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein each light source irradiates a predetermined area of the head.  
     
     
         16 . A therapy apparatus for treating a patient's brain, the therapy apparatus comprising: 
 a plurality of light sources, each light source irradiating at least a corresponding portion of the brain with an efficacious power density and wavelength of light; and    a controller for energizing said light sources so as to selectively produce a predetermined irradiation pattern on the patient's scalp.