Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Hbot) Help Treat Concussions?

Exploring the Potential of HBOT for Concussion Recovery

Concussions | Research | How it Works | HBOT safety | Bottom Line | FAQ

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining attention as a possible treatment for concussions, especially for post-concussion syndrome.

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which helps increase oxygen delivery to the body and brain. This boosts healing by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and stimulating stem cell production. HBOT can decrease swelling, pain, and promote brain repair.

Studies show it helps with conditions like post-concussion syndrome and PTSD as well as improve brain function, and quality of life by delivering more oxygen to the brain.

What Are Concussions?

According to Cleveland Clinic, a concussion is a mild brain injury that happens when the brain gets shaken due to a hit or a sudden movement of the head or body. This can happen from things like sports injuries or falls. [1]

Symptoms can show up right away or at a later time. These include headaches, feeling confused, dizziness, feeling sick, being sensitive to light or noise, and having trouble thinking clearly. It’s even harder to spot these signs in kids because they can’t always explain how they feel.

To find out if someone has a concussion, doctors will check their medical history and do some tests on their brain and nerves. They usually don’t need to do scans unless the symptoms are really bad. Most people feel better in about two to three weeks if they rest and slowly get back to their normal activities.

It’s very important to watch for worsening symptoms to avoid problems. Having more than one concussion can lead to long-term issues like thinking problems and mood changes. This makes it very important to manage and prevent concussions properly. [2]

Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) help treat concussions?

There is some early evidence that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) might help treat concussions, especially for those with long-lasting symptoms known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

Some studies have shown that HBOT can help improve symptoms, thinking ability, and overall quality of life in people with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) compared to fake treatments.

In this section I am going to lay down what scientific research says about hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussions:

• A 2016 systematic review published in the American Academy of Neurology found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps treat symptoms of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post concussion syndrome (PPCS).

• A case report published in the Journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society describes two U.S. Airmen injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Iraq who had symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury. After six months, their condition worsened, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) led to rapid symptom improvement. Nine months post-injury, their cognitive tests returned to near pre-injury levels, suggesting HBOT was effective.

• A 2012 report examined the safety and effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on 16 military members with brain injuries and PTSD. They received 40 HBOT sessions over 30 days. Results showed significant improvements in symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life, confirmed by brain imaging. While some experienced mild, reversible side effects, and one withdrew, the treatment was generally safe and beneficial for chronic brain injury and PTSD symptoms.

• A 2022 article published in Scientific Reports found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) improved cognitive and behavioral functions in children with persistent post-concussion syndrome. Led by Dr. Amir Hadanny, the study involved 25 children aged 8 to 15, with 15 receiving HBOT and 10 receiving sham treatments. Significant improvements were seen in cognitive scores, memory, executive function, and brain MRI changes. While HBOT is not FDA-approved for post-concussion syndrome, the study highlights HBOT’s potential as an effective treatment for lingering concussion symptoms in children.

• A 2022 systematic review of 11 clinical studies found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) significantly improves symptoms and cognitive function in patients with persistent post-concussion syndrome. The review suggests that increased pressure is more crucial than increased oxygen for treatment effectiveness, especially in patients with PTSD.

• Another 2023 case report highlights the significance of early diagnosis for athletes with Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES) due to repeated concussions. It shows that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can effectively improve cognitive function and alleviate TES symptoms, as seen in a former rugby player.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Concussions work?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) works by delivering more oxygen to the brain, which helps protect and fix damaged brain tissues. [4]

This is especially useful for conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), where low oxygen in the brain is common. [5]

HBOT also helps create new blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the brain, which can boost thinking skills. [6]

Additionally, HBOT can reduce brain inflammation, which is a big cause of thinking problems in CTE. It does this by changing how the body handles inflammation and releasing substances that fight inflammation. [7]

Finally, HBOT helps the brain form new connections, which can improve recovery of thinking abilities. Studies using brain scans show that HBOT improves blood flow and oxygen use in the brain, which matches with better clinical results. [8]

Is HBOT safe and tolerable?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe.

However, there are some side effects to watch out for. Mild problems can include ear pain, sinus discomfort, and feeling claustrophobic.

These issues usually go away on their own and are not serious. The main reason for these side effects is the pressure changes during HBOT. Serious problems are rare, especially when the therapy is done in a controlled setting by experts.

It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to HBOT. Some people might feel uncomfortable or more anxious during the sessions. Still, most people handle the treatment well, which is important to think about if you’re considering HBOT for concussion symptoms.

Bottom Line

Current evidence shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might help people with persistent post-concussion syndrome, but more research is needed to figure out the best way to use it. Early studies suggest that HBOT can improve oxygen flow to the brain, which may help with injuries caused by a concussion.

However, most of the studies done so far are small, often with fewer than 75 people. This means we need bigger and better studies to be sure of these findings.

Some research shows that HBOT can significantly improve symptoms and thinking skills, but other studies find little to no benefit. This means people respond differently to the treatment, so personalized plans are important.

Despite these issues, current evidence suggests that HBOT is a promising treatment for persistent post-concussion syndrome, especially if given soon after the injury.

It’s also been found to be safe and generally well-tolerated, making it a good option for doctors to consider as part of a full recovery plan. Ongoing research is crucial to confirm its effectiveness and improve how it’s used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About HBOT

ℹ️ FoodNourish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without any surcharge to you.