Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that may support recovery from head injury/concussion by enhancing oxygen delivery to the brain and reducing inflammation. A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), can lead to symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, dizziness, insomnia and cognitive difficulties, often due to reduced oxygen supply and impaired cellular function in the brain. HBOT involves breathing high concentrations of oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream and promotes healing at the cellular level.
Research suggests that HBOT can help improve neurovascular function by reducing brain inflammation, supporting tissue repair, and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The increased oxygen availability aids in reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function, which can enhance energy production in brain cells.
Many patients report improvements in cognitive clarity, reduced headaches, and overall faster recovery following a series of HBOT sessions. While more large-scale studies are needed, HBOT is showing promise as a complementary therapy for those experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms or post-concussion syndrome.
Some Concussion and Hyperbaric Oxygen Research:
“Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Reduction of Secondary Brain Damage in Head Injury”
—Journal of Neurotrauma, 21:44-48. 2004
Conclusion: Translational research of HBOT in a variety of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) models has shown neuroprotective effects in the absence of increased oxygen toxicity. Recent clinical trials favour HBOT as promising safe therapeutic strategy for severe TBI patient.
“Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can improve Post Concussion Syndrome years after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury – Randomised Prospective Trial” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24260334
—PLoS One November 2013 10.137/journal.pone 0079995
Conclusion: Convincing results based on a crossover study, demonstrating that HBOT can induce neuroplasticity and significant brain function improvement in mild TBI patients with prolonged Post-Concussion-Syndrome at late chronic stage, years after injury.
To access our Hyperbaric Chamber - please call our team on 044991439 to book in for your hyperbaric medical.
