Your Red and Near Infrared Light Questions Answered

+ The Design

The Well Red Coronet has an open frame design that is the most efficient way of dissipating the heat produced by the high output LEDs, unlike other more closed designs which allow the heat to build-up to uncomfortable levels. This heat buid-up forces the designer to limit the available light output to a much lower level.

The consequence of this open frame design is that the Coreonet is extremely light, weighing in at under 150 grams (~5 oz).

Since it is so very cool and light, it is therefore very comfortable to wear.

+ What is the Well Red Coronet?

The Well Red Coronet is a sophisticated electronic trans-cranial light device. It has eight legs which are designed to fit any head shape or size. It has two wavelengths, and we refer to it as the Duo Coronet or just, the Coronet.

+ How the Coronet works

The Duo Coronet contains LEDS in two wavelengths – visible red 670nm (a lovely deep red) and near-infrared 810nm (which we can only just see. The program lasts 24 minutes in total. It starts with 12 minutes of deep red 670nm followed immediately by 12 minutes of near-infrared 810nm. Both wavelength are pulsed at 40Hz. At the end of the 24 minute session, the Duo Coronet automatically turns itself off. It gives a bright flash of light to signal it is finished, sort of a visual tah-dah!

+ What diseases can the Coronet assist with?

The Coronet has been shown to help in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Research and clinical experience has shown that in some medical conditions, using 670nm and 810nm wavelengths in sequence, seems to have a better effect than using just one wavelength on its own. Research into Parkinson’s disease has shown that these two wavelengths in sequence is more effective. Similar responses have been noted in people with Alzheimer’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. People with clinical depression also find the Duo helpful.

Other neurogenerative diseaeses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's disease and Lewy Body dementia may respond better to 670nm on its own.

If you're unsure, cheeck out the Red Lights on the Brain blog as this gives more information about clinical experience and research into different kinds of problems.

+ What voltage is the Well Red Coronet?

12V DC.

+ What kinds of lights are used?

The Well Red Coronet uses individual high quality and high efficiency LED lights. The individual LEDs are built into the aluminium frame. All LEDs are connected and controlled through a built-in electronic system.

LED lights have no adverse health outcomes and are safe to use at home.

+ What part of the head do the LEDs shine on?

The LEDs are positioned so that they shine all over the head. This has been shown to be the most effective way to improve penetration of red and near infrared light deeper into brain tissue.

+ Will my head get hot?

Not at all. The Coronet’s design ensures maximum ventilation, comfort and ease of use. As well, the electronic program has a temperature sensor – if the frame reaches 50° Celsius, the control system will automatically reduce the power of each and every LED.

+ Does the Coronet have automatic timing?

Yes, the Coronet is programmed to run for a specific time, and then turn itself off. All you have to do is put it on and turn it on.

+ How long is each session?

The Duo Coronet is programmed to run for 24 minutes in total, 12 minutes on each wavelength. It will automatically switch off at the conclusion of the session. You should unplug the Coronet and store it safely until your next session.

Make sure that you wait 3-5 seconds between unplugging and re-plugging the power cord into the Coronet.

+ Are the LEDs pulsed?

Yes. Each Coronet is programmed to pulse the lights at 40Hz. The 40Hz pulse rate is in the gamma brainwave range. Gamma brainwaves are important in the brain as they are active when the brain is thinking, concentrating, remembering and analysing. Interestingly, gamma wave activity is changed in some illnesses, eg. Alzheimer's disease.

+ Will the pulsing cause me to have seizures?

The 40Hz frequency used by the Coronet is outside the usual range (8-30Hz) known to trigger seizures in people sensitive to lights. But if you have a diagnosis of epilepsy then you should ensure that you speak with your doctor.

+ How many times per day should I use the Coronet?

Once or twice per day. Twice per day is better than once, but it depends on your daily schedule. Try to arrange the Coronet time to suit your routine. For example, use it in the morning after breakfast, and after the evening meal, while, say, while watching television.

+ Are there parts of my head that should have more light?

In Parkinson's, having light on the back of your head - where your head meets the back of your neck seems to be helpful. So tip the Coronet back so that the Coronet's pig-tail lead is shining right on the low part of your head.

It might be that the front of the Coronet then sits way up your forehead, and this is fine.

+ Can I do anything while I wear the Coronet?

It is best to sit down for the Coronet session. It is a great time to eat, drink, read, watch TV or use the computer. We do not recommend that you try standing or walking while using the Coronet. It is so easy to forget that it is on your head. the last thing you want is for the Coronet to fall off. While it can survive a bounce on the floor, it won't survive being trodden or sat on.

+ What happens when I turn on the Duo Coronet?

When you first plug it in, there will be a short flash of red light. After a few seconds, the red lights start to pulse, gradually increasing in intensity. The pulsed red lights continue for 12 minutes. At the end of the 12 minutes the red lights power down and the near infrared 810nm lights power up.

Because they are difficult for our eye to see, they look pale and unremarkable. They are, however, powerful and they pulse at 40Hz for 12 minutes. If the temperature of the top of the Coronet reaches 50° Celsius, then the power of the LED lights is reduced, limiting the temperature. This ensures that the Coronet is always comfortable to wear.

At the end of the 24 minute session, the Coronet does a flash of red light and turns itself off.

+ Is if OK to finish the session early?

Yes. If you are interrupted, just unplug the Coronet. When you return, start again and your session will start from the beginning.

Make sure that you wait 3-5 seconds between unplugging and re-plugging the power cord into the Coronet.

+ Can I leave the Coronet plugged in to the power?

You can, but it is probably a good idea to turn it off at the wall, or disconnect the Coronet after you have used it.

If you turn off and want to immediately turn on the Coronet, make sure that you wait a few seconds so that the Coronet can discharge from its previous use.

Unplug, count to three, then replug.

+ Can I use a Coronet if I have a DBS implant?

Yes you can. The Deep Brain Stimulation and the Coronet don’t affect each other at all.

+ Can I use the Coronet if I have a Pacemaker?

Yes you can. The Pacemaker and the Coronet don’t affect each other at all.

+ Does the Coronet make any noise?

It doesn’t. It is a very quiet device. This makes it perfect for conversation, or watching TV.

+ Does the Coronet get hot while it is running?

The near infrared 810nm LED lights do generate some heat, so the Coronet frame is warmer in the second 12 minutes.

A temperature sensor is in place in the Coronet. If the top of the Coronet reaches 50° Celsius, then the micro-controller will automatically reduce power to the LEDs, which will limit the frame temperature to 50°C. When the frame temperature again drops below 50°C, then the LEDs will resume full power. If you closely watch the near infrared 810nm LEDs you might notice that they seem to get dimmer, then a minute or so later, get brighter again. This shows that the temperature sensor is working.

+ Does someone need to be with me while I use the Coronet?

It is fine to use the Coronet in solitude, and many people prefer to use it when they are on their own. For some, it can be quite a meditative experience.

+ Is the Coronet heavy to wear?

The Coronet is weighs less than 150g, or about 5 ounces. It is not heavy to wear.

+ Can I adjust the fitting

Once you have set up your Coronet, you can make minor adjustments. But don’t be tempted to flatten it out and start again as this will harm the device and may fracture the connections and stop the Coronet working properly. Be gentle with any fitting changes you make, and only make minor adjustments.

+ Can I flatten the Coronet after I have been using it?

No! Once you have set up your Coronet to fit your head, it must stay set up. You can do small adjustments, as described above, but only small adjustments. If you flatten it out after it has been in a Coronet shape, you risk damaging the device and voiding your warranty.

+ How do I set up the Coronet?

Click here to see detailed video instructions on how to set up your Coronet.

+ How soon before I feel any benefits?

It depends. Just as everyone’s experience with Parkinson’s disease is different, each person’s experience with daily use of red and near infrared light is different.

The improvements are subtle, and they can be quite slow before they appear. We’ve noticed that the person with Parkinson’s is often the last person to notice any changes. This is one of the many sneaky things about Parkinson’s – it can make it hard to discern what is happening inside your own body and mind.

Other people might notice changes before you do. It is worth telling friends and family that you are starting to use the Coronet and asking them to let you know if they notice any changes in you. Many people find improvements in their tremor, walking, posture, freezing episodes, facial animation and fine hand co-ordination. These are some of the movement or motor symptoms.

Many people have improvements in the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, eg fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, apathy, functioning in social situations and even the feelings of joy and pleasure in life.

+ Can I take my Coronet on a plane?

You certainly can. Coronets have travelled on many flights, both in cabin baggage and in suitcases. Make sure that you put some soft wadding in the Coronet – eg socks and underwear, and have something strong next to the Coronet so that it stops it getting squashed.