A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body that shakes the brain inside the skull. For most concussions, treatment consists of complete and comprehensive rest of the body and brain for 1-2 weeks.
While symptoms should only last briefly, sometimes a concussion does not heal properly and becomes post-concussion syndrome which can last for weeks, months and even years. Concussion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, impaired balance
There are a recorded half a million children each year between the ages of 10 and 14 that are treated in the ER alone for concussions. An estimated total of 1.8 to 3.6 million concussions occur each year. Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may require surgery, or lead to long lasting problems with movement, learning or speaking.
Veterans who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to explosions are grappling with concussions. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can reduce brain swelling, activate dormant brain cells, and facilitate the healing process.
In a recent study conducted at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, it was revealed that while the majority of children recovered quite well from mild TBI, as many as 20% of children had lingering effects like fatigue, headaches, forgetfulness and difficulty paying attention. Honor students began falling short of their previous abilities resulting in D’s or failing grades.
Two-year-old Eden fell in the family pool. She was revived 3 times. Her original prognosis was that she would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of her life. She received HBO from Dr. Harch in New Orleans and has had an amazing recovery!
Note: (A) T2 coronal images at the level of the thalami from left to right at 3, 31, and 162 days post-drowning, showing reversal of white matter and cortical atrophy. Corpus callosum white matter and temporal lobe gray matter calculations embedded: 3.17, 2.00, 3.57 mm, and 8.10, 6.31, and 7.75 mm, at 3, 31, and 162 days.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a term that describes various forms of head trauma. TBIs derive from external force, including closed-head injuries or open skull wounds. Concussions are a mild type of TBI. Concussions have various levels of severity and require immediate medical attention to mitigate the risk of long-term implications, including post-concussion syndrome.
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in many ways, from car accidents to falls. Concussions, in particular, are most common amongst those who engage in contact sports, whereas more severe TBIs are often seen among veterans. TBIs and concussions may include physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, such as headaches, personality/behavioral changes, dizziness, fatigue, and more.
2Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The role of HBOT for TBI is to reduce swelling, elevate the brain tissue’s oxygen levels, encourage antioxidant defenses while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, HBOT may encourage neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to recalibrate and form new connections.
Studies show that HBOT for concussion treatment offers a number of potential advantages to alleviate post-concussion syndrome and long-term cognitive symptoms. These advantages include:
HBOT for mild TBI is increasingly popular among athletes and those who have fallen or experienced an accident. Mild TBIs temporarily compromise brain function and may involve loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes. These injuries often resolve on their own with rest. However, concussions may escalate, causing post-concussion syndrome and leading to prolonged cognitive disruption.
Moderate TBIs are more severe than mild TBIs. These injuries involve greater impact to the head that typically results in brain bleeding. Moderate TBIs cause loss of consciousness for periods of 30 minutes to 24 hours in conjunction with memory loss for up to seven days. Additionally, moderate TBIs involve more debilitating, complex, and persistent symptoms.
Severe TBIs are the most traumatic of TBIs, resulting in permanent cognitive and neurological deficits or death. These injuries come from excessive force, such as rollover vehicle accidents or gunshot wounds. Individuals with severe TBIs experience prolonged loss of consciousness and memory, such as comas, requiring extended ICU stays and excessive recovery times.
22 American Veterans with TBI/PTSD are dying each day due to suicide. Their brain injury is “treated” with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety mediacitions which may treat symptoms but can’t heal the underlying brain injury!
The hyperbaric industry has been working with veterans and the DOD for more than 20 years in an effort to help our Veterans! https://treatnow.org/category/latest-news/
HBOT is the sole procedure proven effective in the treatment of mild to severe traumatic brain injury. Studies regarding HBOT for TBI show that this treatment reduces the mortality rate in severe TBI patients by up to 60%. Unfortunately, HBOT is not offered in-hospital and must be pursued once discharged.
Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury symptoms have been shown to experience full recoveries in 40 HBOT treatments or less. These individuals have demonstrated significant symptom reduction, including reduced headaches and pain, improved speech, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Baromedical Associates stands as a pillar in the field of HBOT. Our innovative HBOT treatments are designed to escalate patient recovery in our state-of-the-art, private treatment facilities. With personalized treatment plans, guidance, and support from our certified technicians and multidisciplinary physicians, we are your partner in optimized health and healing.
When it comes to HBOT therapy, trust the experienced certified-technicians and multi-disciplinary physicians at Baromedical Associates to provide you with the most advanced treatment—in your own private space.
Baromedical Associates specializes in the development and management of medical clinics that use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and other advanced therapies to provide our patients with the most medically advanced, modern treatment available today.