HBOT & Concussion

Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) (1). Concussions are usually caused by a direct blow to the head, but can also be caused by gunshot wounds, whiplash, or violent shaking of the head (1). The injury causes the head and brain to quickly move back and forth, which stretches and/or damages brain cells, blood vessels, and cranial nerves (1,2). Though concussions are rarely life-threatening, they are serious, and usually take weeks to months to fully heal (2). Some patients do not recover within three months, and develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS), whose symptoms include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and fatigue (3). In severe cases, PCS can be debilitating and interfere with daily life.

Unfortunately, there is no standard treatment for concussion or post-concussion syndrome beyond rest and time. But there is good news: more and more doctors and scientists are discovering the profound healing abilities of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussions and post-concussion syndrome. 

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 wound healing, bone infections, and TBIs(5).

Decades of scientific research have proven the numerous benefits of HBOT for concussion. A 2017 study found significant cognitive improvements in 154 TBI patients treated with HBOT. The most striking improvements were in memory index and attention (6). HBOT has been shown to be effective at treating PCS, even when administered many years after a concussion (7). A 2018 study showed remarkable improvements in health-related quality of life (e.g. physical & social functioning, bodily pain, emotionality) (8).

Historically, TBI patients only start HBOT after exhausting all 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” (9). The review found that HBOT may induce neuroprotection because it improves tissue oxygenation and cellular metabolism, and reduces swelling and inflammation, among other benefits (9). The research only examined HBOT treatment of months-to-years-old concussions; the review’s authors stressed the need to study the effects of administering HBOT immediately after a TBI (9). 

In 2020, that study is finally happening. At UC San Diego Health, researchers are currently spearheading a national research study called “Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Injury Treatment” (HOBIT). They are testing their theory that HBOT is effective for TBI by reducing brain swelling and hyper-oxygenating the injured tissue, and that it will be most effective when started within 8 hours of injury (10). We are following this study—and all current HBOT/TBI research—closely, and constantly adjusting our treatment protocol as we learn more. 

At Holistic Hyperbarics, we have successfully treated many patients suffering from concussions, post-concussion syndrome, and other TBIs. We work with everyone, and would love to tailor an HBOT regimen to your needs. If you or a loved one are seeking treatments for a concussion or other TBI, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We’d love to answer your questions about concussions and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.

SOURCES:

  1. Staff, BIAU. “Types and Levels of Brain Injury.” Brain Injury Association of America, BIAU, 2020.

  2. Staff, CDC. “Brain Injury Basics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 12 Feb. 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/index.html.

  3. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Persistent post-concussive symptoms (Post-concussion syndrome).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 06 Oct. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-concussion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353352.

  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. 

  6. Hadanny A, Abbott S, Suzin G, et al. “Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on chronic neurocognitive deficits of post-traumatic brain injury patients: retrospective analysis.” BMJ Open, BMJ Journals, 2018, https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/9/e023387.

  7. Boussi-Gross, Rahav, et al. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury - randomized prospective trial.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, PloS one, 15 Nov. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3829860/.

  8. Dong, Yan et al. “Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy on post-concussion syndrome.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, Experimental and therapeutic medicine, Sep. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122203/.

  9. Hu, Qin et al. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury: bench-to-bedside.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medical gas research, 11 Jul. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5110132/.

  10. 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. 

Alexandra Williams