Repetitive transcranial photobiomodulation but not long-term omega-3 intake reduces epileptiform discharges in rats with stroke-induced epilepsy

Epilepsy is a yet under-recognized consequence after a stroke and nearly 30% of cases are pharmacoresistant. There is an unmet need for therapeutic interventions during epileptogenesis for better long-term disease outcomes. Transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) and omega-3 (omega-3) dietary supplementation are two approaches that have been shown promising neuroprotective effects after brain injuries. Here, we studied the PBM treatment or omega-3 diet during epileptogenesis in long-term recurrent spontaneous abnormal electrical discharges after stroke. Wistar rats received repetitive 780 nm-laser in the scalp or oral diet with omega-3 for 2-months after photothrombotic stroke. EEG recordings were performed 60 days after treatment end. PBM but not omega-3 reduced both electrographic seizure duration and spikes number in the ipsilateral and contralateral cortices and ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus. Conclusively, PBM reduced epileptiform discharges in stroke-induced epilepsy. Our results suggest the PBM as a therapeutic approach for stroke-induced epileptogenesis to minimize long-term disease outcomes.