Can HBOT Help Severe Brain Injury When Used Immediately?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used for years to treat traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and strokes. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients usually start HBOT after exhausting other options. A 2016 scientific review of existing data concluded that “HBOT has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects without increased oxygen toxicity in experimental TBI models” (1). The review found that HBOT may induce neuroprotection because it improves tissue oxygenation and cellular metabolism, and reduces swelling and inflammation, among other benefits (1). However, the researchers stressed that we do not know enough about HBOT and TBI because of delayed treatment time. They urged the medical world to study the effects of HBOT on TBI when used immediately after the brain trauma (1).
Researchers at UC San Diego Health are doing just that, by joining a national research study called Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Injury Treatment (HOBIT). "Once the brain is injured, it is hard to reverse that injury," according to Ian Grover, medical director for the Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center at UC San Diego Medical Center (2). His U.C. San Diego colleague, trauma medical director Todd Costantini, added: "Because there's such time urgency, we need to get patients identified, stabilized, and get them into that hyperbaric chamber within eight hours," said Todd Costantini, the trauma medical director at UC San Diego Health (2).
"The theory is that the hyperbaric oxygen will one, decrease swelling of the brain after it's been injured. And number two, it will deliver oxygen to the injured tissue," Costantini said (2). According to U.C. San Diego’s press release, “This is the first randomized, controlled trial analyzing the effects that hyperbaric oxygen treatment has on outcomes following brain injury and preliminary studies have demonstrated that it may improve neurological recovery” (3). he study is ongoing, and you can check out their website to learn more or sign up to participate.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (4). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (4). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, bone infections, and radiation injury (5).
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we treat a variety of brain trauma-related conditions. We have successfully treated many patients suffering from TBIs, strokes, and concussions. We stay up to date on the latest research, and are happy to speak to you further about this or other studies. If you are seeking treatment for TBI, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. Though TBI treatment is notoriously challenging, there is hope and there is help. We’d love to answer your questions about TBI and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
1. Hu, Qin et al. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury: bench-to-bedside.” Medical gas research vol. 6,2 102-110. 11 Jul. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5110132/.
2. Brandeis, Amanda. “Study Tests Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hours after Severe Brain Injury.” KMGH, KMGH, 26 Aug. 2020, www.thedenverchannel.com/news/science-tech/study-tests-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hours-after-severe-brain-injury.
3. Vazquez, Jeanna. “Expanding Treatment Options for Severe Brain Trauma.” UC Health - UC San Diego, UC San Diego, 23 July 2020, health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2020-07-23-expanding-treatment-options-for-severe-brain-trauma.aspx.
4. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.
5. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.