It is estimated that in the U.S. alone, approximately 2.8 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury are falls and motor vehicle accidents.

Anyone can take a tumble or be involved in an accident that causes a concussion. However, people over 75 and children under 4 years old have the highest risk for non-fatal TBI-related injuries.

Most brain injuries are mild, but many require continuing treatment to relieve chronic TBI symptoms. The pain and other ongoing symptoms related to brain injury can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life.

Traditional treatments for chronic symptoms aren’t always effective. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a non-invasive, evidence-based option to help relieve chronic TBI symptoms.

Understanding TBI and Chronic TBI Symptoms

Some brain injuries can be caused by an internal problem, such as an aneurysm. Those that are caused by an outside force are referred to as “traumatic brain injuries” or TBIs.

Any type of jolt, impact, bump, or penetration of the brain by a foreign object can cause a TBI. Accidents like car crashes can cause both penetrating and non-penetrating TBIs simultaneously.

TBIs can be mild or severe. Some injuries cause temporary problems, and some lead to severe disability and death. The type and location of the injury determine the extent of the brain damage. The National Institutes of Health explains that injuries causing TBIs are categorized as focal or diffuse.

A focal injury is confined to one area of the brain. One example is a single bump from a fall or a sports injury. A diffuse injury could happen in a car accident when the head is moved backward and forward violently. This causes the brain to shake inside the skull.

What Are Chronic TBI Symptoms?

In most cases, TBI symptoms appear 7–10 days after the injury and resolve within three months. According to the Mayo Clinic, when symptoms last longer, they are considered chronic. Chronic TBI symptoms can last a year or more and include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to noise and light
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty with focus and concentration
  • Loss of memory
  • Changes in sleep patterns, sleeping too much or too little
  • Fatigue

Though rare, TBI can also cause a decrease in taste and smell. Symptoms of a TBI can persist even when the injury is mild. It is not necessary to lose consciousness or suffer an extreme injury to experience long-lasting effects. A follow-up visit with your primary care provider is recommended, even with mild injuries.

When Is Emergency Medical Care Appropriate?

Seek immediate emergency care if the injured person is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Vision problems
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness or numbness in limbs
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speed
  • Unusual behavior or not recognizing familiar people or places
  • Persistent headache

Any head injury that results in a loss of consciousness, bleeding, fluid discharge from the nose or ears, or was the result of a high-speed accident requires emergency medical care.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Recommended treatments depend on the type and severity of the injury. Medications, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy can be helpful. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to minimize additional brain damage. However, chronic TBI symptoms can persist even with these interventions.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treats TBI and other medical conditions by healing damaged tissue. Clients relax in a pressurized chamber or room where they breathe air that contains 100% oxygen. This supersaturation of oxygen supports the body’s natural healing functions and speeds the growth of healthy new cells.

HBOT is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free therapy that was first used to help treat scuba divers suffering from decompression sickness.

The treatment is FDA-approved for several conditions and is used off-brand for treating chronic TBI symptoms. Several studies support the use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury.

What to Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment

Treatments provided by trained and qualified HBOT clinicians begin with a medical evaluation and discussion of your expectations. During treatments, clients lay in a transparent oxygen chamber where they can read, listen to music, or simply relax.

While in the chamber, they breathe 100% oxygen under controlled pressure. The extra oxygen dissolves lymph and waste for easy elimination. Red blood cells carry pure oxygen to every cell in the body, providing the nutrients needed to heal damaged tissue, reduce swelling, and form new blood vessels for improved circulation.

A clinician will check on clients during and after the session. Checking vitals like blood pressure and pulse is routine. Clients with diabetes may also have their glucose levels checked. Once the clinician affirms a person is ready, they can get out of the oxygen chamber, dress, and return to their normal daily activities.

No anesthesia or other medications are needed to receive HBOT, so there is no need to arrange for a drive home. However, some people feel fatigued after a session and prefer to rest.

More than one HBOT session is typically needed to fully address chronic TBI symptoms. However, clients may feel improvement after only one treatment.

Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic TBI Symptoms

How can HBOT help relieve the symptoms of TBI? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn’t like a surgical procedure that “fixes” what is broken. Instead, it supports the body’s natural healing ability by providing pure oxygen to accelerate the process.

One immediate advantage is that HBOT can be used either along with other treatments or as a stand-alone therapy.

Some clients include hyperbaric oxygen therapy in their TBI recovery from the beginning because of its effectiveness. Others turn to HBOT when they have exhausted other treatment options and are still suffering from chronic TBI symptoms.

Another advantage of HBOT is that, unlike most interventions that focus on improving a single symptom, HBOT can improve your overall health. While getting relief for TBI-related headaches, clients will also benefit from enhanced collagen production and strong cells that resist infection.

Improves Oxygenation

Oxygen is essential to cell health. Slowly increasing the pressure inside an oxygen chamber allows the body to adapt to higher levels of oxygen and absorb it more efficiently.

Improved oxygenation can treat conditions related to TBI, including crush injuries and vision problems that are caused by the blockage of blood flow when the brain or skull is damaged. Better oxygenation has also been found helpful for reducing the types of chronic pain related to TBI.

In cases where the TBI was caused by a piercing injury, HBOT can help reduce the risk of infection and fight existing antibiotic-resistant infections.

Repairs Blood Cells

TBI can damage the brain’s vascular system (blood vessels). Under the right circumstances, the body is capable of growing new blood vessels from an existing damaged system. Once established, these new vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to cells that have been deprived.

HBOT increases the amount and quality of oxygen being delivered to cells. The treatment supports tissue repair and new cell growth.

Chronic TBI symptoms caused by poor circulation can be improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Reduces Inflammation

When inflamed tissues press against sensitive nerve endings, the result can be painful. Medications may provide temporary relief, but reducing inflammation is a more effective way to prevent nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health concluded that HBOT was both a clinically effective and cost-effective treatment for reducing inflammation. Oxygen saturation of the cells promotes the production of anti-inflammatory molecules within the body and neutralizes free radicals that cause inflammation.

HBOT has been shown to improve the quality of life in individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain.

Reduces Toxins and Harmful Bacteria

If bacteria enter the brain during a skull injury, it could result in serious health risks. Behavioral changes, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and headaches can be caused by bacteria after an injury occurs.

Some bacteria are resistant to traditional treatments, but toxic bacteria cannot survive in increased oxygen levels. HBOT also increases the production of white cells, which locate and destroy germs.

Safe for Most People

Because it is non-invasive and requires no medication, HBOT is safe for most healthy people. Those who currently have a cold or fever may not be approved for treatment until they feel better. Additionally, HBOT may not be recommended for individuals who have recently undergone surgery or people with certain lung conditions.

A study published by Medical Gas Research concluded that HBOT is promising, effective, and safe even for people with severe traumatic brain injuries.

Can You Receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments at Home?

It is possible to purchase HBOT equipment and undergo sessions at home, but it is not considered safe for those with a TBI or certain other conditions to do so. Being monitored by a trained technician ensures clients are safe before, during, and after a session.

Working with a team of professionals also offers other advantages. You may wish to include additional treatments like deep transcranial magnetic stimulation or neurofeedback to enhance the effectiveness of HBOT sessions.

If hyperbaric oxygen treatments aren’t providing symptom relief, you can speak to your technician about possible reasons and alternative therapies.

Medical-grade HBOT equipment is expensive and should be maintained by trained professionals. Paying for cutting-edge therapies like HBOT is about more than just technology. The experience and supervision from trained clinicians is an essential part of treatment.

Are You Considering HBOT for Chronic TBI Symptoms?

Millions of Americans experience traumatic brain injuries every year. Most are mild, and symptoms resolve on their own. However, some result in chronic symptoms that affect the individual’s quality of life. Headaches, confusion, and vision problems can be so severe that an individual may be unable to work or enjoy everyday activities.

Traumatic brain injury can be a serious condition even when the injury seems minor. If you or someone you know receives a bump or blow to the head, follow up with medical care. Emergency care is recommended if the person appears confused, has vision problems, or if fluid is leaking from their nose or ears.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a drug-free, non-surgical treatment option. By providing cells with 100% oxygen, HBOT reduces inflammation and repairs cells. The treatment supports the body’s natural healing ability and assists in the building of new blood vessels.

HBOT is considered safe for most people when done in a clinical setting with professional supervision. It also provides added benefits like improving collagen production for healthier skin and fighting bacteria that cause infection. It can be used along with other treatments or as a stand-alone procedure.

Reach out to our team by calling 424.644.6486, filling out our confidential online form, or using our live chat function to learn more about how hyperbaric oxygen treatment can help chronic TBI symptoms

References

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  • “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Get the Facts.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-get-facts?os=ioxa42gdubaevcroa6&ref=app. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
  • “Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms (Post-Concussion Syndrome).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Jan. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-concussion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353352.
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  • “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
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