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Intranasal Therapy in San Diego

You might be surprised to learn that the nose has become a focus of much scientific research as of late. This is because the nasal cavity provides doctors with a gentle way to circumvent the blood-brain barrier when treating a range of psychological and neurological ailments and disorders. Intranasal light therapy, in particular, is an innovative treatment being used to alleviate pain and reduce symptoms of emotional disorders, sleep disorders, and cognitive conditions.

What Is Intranasal Therapy?

Intranasal therapy is a non-invasive means of delivering medications and treatments in such a way that they penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body and as such, our bodies evolved to protect this precious component of the nervous system. The skull of an adult human is approximately 7 millimeters thick, which provides protection against physical injury or trauma. Beneath that lies cerebrospinal fluid, three membranes called the “meninges” that offer further protection, and finally the blood-brain barrier, which shields the brain from toxins and potentially harmful chemicals.

Each of these layers (including the BBB) are important, as even a slight brain trauma can result in long-lasting repercussions and painful symptoms, but the down side to this protective barrier is that sometimes it also keeps helpful chemicals and treatments from getting where they need to go. This is particularly true in the case of medications and therapies used to treat neurological disorders, where the brain is the main focus.

This is where intranasal therapy comes in. There are nerves that extend from the cranial cavity all the way into the upper part of the nasal cavity. These are generally used by the body’s olfactory system to process scents, but they also offer a way for doctors to deliver treatment when they need to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and access the brain.

What Is Intranasal Light Therapy?

Light therapy (or phototherapy) has been around for more than 100 years. In fact Faroese physician and scientist, Niels Ryberg, received a Nobel Prize in 1903 for his work revolving around light therapy. You may be familiar with blue light therapy that is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Intranasal light therapy works on the same concept (that certain colors and intensities of light have an effect on the human brain and emotional responses) but targets the delivery method through the nose where it can reach the olfactory nerves. This is particularly useful when addressing symptoms of neurologic or psychiatric disorders.

What Are the Benefits of Intranasal Light Therapy?

Intranasal light therapy poses many benefits. It is non-invasive, requires no recovery time after treatments, and works well in conjunction with other therapies. Intranasal light therapy may be used to aid in the treatment or reduce the symptoms of many conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia
Depression
Anxiety
Sleep Disorders (such as Insomnia)
Addiction Disorders and Substance Abuse
Parkinson’s Disease
Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Local disorders of the nose, such as rhinitis and congestion

What Should I Expect During Intranasal Therapy?

Intranasal light therapy is painless and non-invasive. Treatments last between 10-30 minutes, during which time a small light is inserted into the nose and secured in place. Patients are able to read, talk on the phone, work on a laptop, or listen to music during therapy. They can return to their normal activities immediately afterwards.Side effects of intranasal light therapy are rare but include mild headache, nausea, and irritability. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from bipolar disorder, as this therapy can induce a state of mania in patients with this condition.

Intranasal Therapy in San Diego