Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an advanced medical treatment that aids and enhances the body’s natural healing process by delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment. It’s an FDA-approved therapy for several conditions and is gaining recognition for its benefits in treating concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
These cutting-edge treatments take place in a specially designed chamber where patients breathe pure oxygen at pressures higher than normal atmospheric levels, which typically register 21% oxygen. Under these enhanced conditions, the lungs can absorb 20 times more oxygen, and therefore oxygen dissolves into the bloodstream at much higher concentrations, saturating tissues and stimulating healing in ways that would not be possible under normal circumstances.
This increased oxygen supply has a number of physical benefits. It promotes brain oxygenation, as well as cellular repair and healing, reduces inflammation, and supports neurological recovery. These factors make HBOT particularly effective for conditions where oxygen-starved tissues are a problem, including post-concussive conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been in use for almost 350 years – it’s a time-tested treatment, and in the past 50 years, it’s been used to improve recovery for an even wider number of issues, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-concussion challenges.
Here’s how it works: red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body to maintain its health, and when your body sustains an injury, those tissues require more oxygen for proper healing. Since red blood cells can only carry a limited amount of oxygen, HBOT treatments supplement their work by enabling blood plasma to bring more oxygen to the tissue. When hypoxic tissues (meaning tissues lacking sufficient oxygen) are infused with more oxygen, they undergo neovascularization, which encourages new blood vessels to grow into the hypoxic tissues, boosting the healing process. A patient is usually treated in a monoplace chamber (which fits one patient at a time) or a multiplace chamber (used to treat several patients at the same time), depending upon the patient’s needs and the treatment itself.
HBOT for Post-Concussion Recovery
One of the most promising applications of HBOT is in the treatment of post-concussion symptoms and TBIs.
How Does HBOT Help With Post-Concussions?
After a concussion, the brain may suffer from reduced oxygen levels, inflammation, and impaired neurological function. Hyperbaric therapy for TBI and post-concussion symptoms works by:
- Reducing Brain Inflammation: HBOT floods the brain with oxygen, helping to decrease swelling and improve function.
- Enhancing Neuroplasticity: It supports the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways, improving cognitive recovery.
- Boosting Blood Flow: HBOT delivers oxygen-rich blood to damaged areas, accelerating healing.
- Energizing Brain Cells: HBOT supports cellular metabolism and repair, helping to reduce lingering concussion symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, and fatigue.
For individuals struggling with persistent post-concussion symptoms, HBOT offers a path to faster and more complete recovery.
Related: How to Recognize and Treat a Concussion from a Work-Related Accident
Considerations Before Starting HBOT
While HBOT is generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to consult with a medical professional before beginning treatment. Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as ear discomfort due to pressure changes, temporary vision changes, or sinus pressure. HBOT is not recommended for individuals with untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or certain types of respiratory infections.
Cutting-Edge Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Our Two Locations
At two of our comprehensive injury care centers – Grant Ave. and Willow Grove – we offer the latest in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, providing patients with a safe and effective way to reach their maximum recovery potential and improve overall well-being. If you’re seeking hyperbaric therapy for TBI, our expert team is here to guide you through the process.
Experience the benefits of HBOT firsthand. Contact our team to schedule a consultation at one of our two locations and discover the healing power of oxygen today.