Endoscopic delivery of red/NIR light to the subventricular zone

1. A method of treating a patient having a neurodegenerative disease, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting an optical wave guide having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion;

b) endoscopically implanting the distal end portion of the optical wave guide into a lateral ventricle of the patient, and

c) delivering light through the optical wave guide to irradiate at least a portion of a subventricular zone with an effective amount of light.

2. A method of treating stroke, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting a stroke patient, and

b) delivering a distal end portion of an optical wave guide into a lateral ventricle of the patient, and

c) irradiating through the optical wave guide at least a portion of a subventricular zone of the patient with an effective amount of red/NIR light.