# Narrow Band Green Light Effects on Cortical Excitability and Responsivity in Migraine

> **NIH NIH R01** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · $546,292

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Significance: Exposure to narrow band green light (nbGL) appears to reduce intensity, frequency, and duration
of migraine headache and some of its most bothersome symptoms and does so more effectively than exposure to
dark. Because many migraine characteristics are attributed to abnormal cortical hyperexcitability and responsivity,
we are seeking to determine whether nbGL attenuates cortical activity, and if so to what extent, what extent it differs
from dark (known to help migraine headache). Given that pain and emotional changes are major components of
migraine, we will assess cortical activity including functional connectivity in a translational study design. A rodent
model will be used to evaluate aspects of cortical excitability and responsivity not possible in humans. If successful
in unraveling a cortical mechanism by which nbGL works, this study can help validate the use of this noninvasive,
risk-free and affordable therapeutic approach as an alternative/additional method for the treatment of migraine.
Preliminary data: Our clinical research team has extensive experience in functional near infrared spectroscopy
(fNIRS) imaging, technical development and use in the clinical setup; and our pre-clinical research team has
extensive experience in direct cortical recording in animal models of migraine and aura. Approach: Using fNIRS
imaging in migraine patients and healthy subjects, and electrocorticography (ECoG) recording in naïve and diseased
state rats, we propose to (1) define a mechanistic basis for nbGL effects on sensory and affective cortical functions
during and in between migraine attacks; (2) show signal specificity of pain/nociceptive/affective responses during
exposure to nbGL, no light (NL), and white light (WL); and (3) record nbGL effects on key characteristics of cortical
spreading depression - one of the better-understood migraine-associated abnormal cortical event. Specific Aims:
In Aims 1-3, we will determine effects of nbGL (compared to WL and NL) on fNIRS measured in cortices of healthy
controls (aim 1A), interictal (Aim 2A) and ictal (Aim 3A) migraineurs, and ECoG recording in naïve (Aim 1B) and
disease-state (Aims 2B, 3B) rats. Hypotheses: Our hypotheses are: (a) in healthy subjects and naïve rats we will
observe significant differences in fNIRS cortical signals and ECoG measured at baseline and responsivity to sensory
stimuli under each of the 3 light conditions; (b) because the interictal state reflects a condition of relative cortical
hyperexcitability, fNIRS measures to resting state and evoked pain will show smaller excitation of cortical regions
(S1, mPFC) under nbGL than under WL, and ECoG measures will show stronger cortical activity power at WL and
NL than at nbGL; (c) even in the ictal state, which reflects the highest level of cortical excitability in the 3 study
groups, nbGL will have a greater effect on inhibiting cortical responsivity as measured by fNIRS and ECoG; and (d)
duration of exposure wil...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10892991
- **Project number:** 5R01NS128045-02
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Rami Burstein
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $546,292
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10892991

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10892991, Narrow Band Green Light Effects on Cortical Excitability and Responsivity in Migraine (5R01NS128045-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10892991. Licensed CC0.

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