Use of the infrared radiation modulated by terahertz frequencies in complex therapy of patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objective. We present the data of the retrospective clinical study in order to summarize the experience of the implementation of infrared radiation with terahertz modulation 0,086–7,5 μm (0,02 to 8 THz) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Design and methods. We followed up 61 patients with AIS (age from 18 to 86 years, mean age 59 ± 1 year), 24 women and 36 men, who were divided into two groups: group I (n = 30) and II (n = 31). Patients from the group II received standard pharmacotherapy in acute stroke unit and during hospitalization. Patients from the group I in addition to standard pharmacotherapy underwent procedures of transcranail application of infrared radiation. The radiator was established on parietal area in a projection of an acupuncture point Bai-Huey (VG‑20) independent of brain lesion localization. Results. Patients from the group I demonstrated earlier recovery, earlier consciousness, a more rapid regression of neurological symptoms and earlier expansion of physical activities compared to the second group. For two years of dynamic supervision patients from the group I showed stable and even better indicators of Barthel index, Rankin scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHHS) compared to the group II. This can be due to the better compliance of patients from the group I to treatment and a positive effect of the 6–10 procedures of the infrared radiation modulated by terahertz frequencies. Conclusions. Infrared radiation modulated by terahertz frequencies can be recommended in acute ischemic stroke as a part of complex treatment. A prospective controlled randomized study involving patients with ischemic stroke is required in order to develop the precise approaches for infrared radiation application.