Device And Method For Blue Light Modulation Of Brain Inflammation

Abstract

A device and method are provided for modulating brain inflammation. The device includes a light source positionable at a location adjacent a portion of brain for modulating the inflammation thereof The light source has a first off condition and second on condition wherein the light source generates light having a wavelength in the range of 450-495 nanometers (nm). A controller is operatively connected to the light source. The controller provides control signals to the light source for controlling the switching of the light source between the on and the off conditions. The controller is configured to switch the light source to the on condition for a portion of a treatment cycle.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device for modulating brain inflammation, comprising:
 a light source positionable at a location adjacent a portion of brain for modulating the inflammation thereof, the light source having a first off condition and second on condition wherein the light source generates light having a wavelength in a selected range; and   a controller operatively connected to the light source, the controller providing control signals to the light source for controlling the switching of the light source between the on and the off conditions;   
       wherein the controller is configured to switch the light source to the on condition for a portion of a treatment cycle. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the treatment cycle is a first of a plurality of treatment cycles and wherein the controller is configured to switch each of the plurality of light sources to the on condition for the portion of each treatment cycle. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the brain includes an outer surface and wherein the light source is spaced from the outer surface of the brain. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the brain includes an outer surface and wherein the light source abuts the outer surface of the brain. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the light source is positionable within the brain. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the light source is one of a plurality of light sources, each of the plurality of light sources being operatively connected to the controller and having a first off condition and second on condition wherein each of the light sources generates light having a wavelength in the range of 450-495 nanometers (nm). 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the controller provides control signals to the, plurality of light sources for controlling the switching of the plurality of light sources between the on and the off conditions, the controller being configured to switch the plurality of light sources to the on condition for a portion of a treatment cycle. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously switch the plurality of light sources between the on condition and the off condition. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the selected range is 450-495 nanometers (nm). 
     
     
         10 . A method of modulating brain inflammation, comprising the steps of:
 positioning a light source adjacent a brain, the light source having a first off condition and second, on condition wherein the light source generates light having a wavelength in a selected range; and   switching of the light source to the on condition for a first portion of a treatment cycle.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the additional step of switching of the light source from the on condition to the off condition for a second portion of the treatment cycle. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the additional steps, of repeating the step of switching of the light source to the on condition for the first portion of a treatment cycle for a plurality of treatment cycles. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the additional step of positioning the light source at a location spaced from an outer surface of the brain. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the additional step of positioning the light source at a location abutting an outer surface of the brain. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the additional step of positioning the light source at a location wherein at least a portion of the light source is received within the brain. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the light source is one of a plurality of light sources, and wherein the method further comprises the additional step of switching each of the plurality of light source to the on, condition for the first portion of a treatment cycle. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the plurality of light sources are switched simultaneously to the on condition. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the selected range is 450-495 nanometers (nm). 
     
     
         19 . A method of modulating brain inflammation, comprising the steps of:
 generating light having a wavelength in the range of 450-495 nanometers (nm);   directing the light at a portion of the brain for a treatment cycle.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  comprising the additional steps of repeatedly directing the light at the portion of the brain for a plurality of additional treatment cycles. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  comprising the additional step of terminating the generation of the light for a portion of the treatment cycle. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the light is generated by a light source and wherein the method comprises the additional step of positioning a light source at a location spaced from an outer surface of the brain. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the light is generated by a light source and wherein the method comprises the additional step of positioning the light source at a location abutting an outer surface of the brain. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the light is generated by a light source and wherein the method comprises the additional step of positioning the light source at a location wherein at least a portion of the light source is received within the brain. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the light is generated by a plurality of light sources. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the plurality of light sources simultaneously generate the light.