Amen University
Every year, millions of people suffer from brain injuries—whether it's a mild concussion from a fall or a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from an accident. Millions more experience milder forms of head trauma that never get reported. All of these types of injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life.
According to the CDC, as many as 5.3 million Americans live with long-term disabilities caused by TBIs. Experts estimate there are millions more struggling with memory loss, mood issues, and other problems. Many of them don’t realize that their symptoms are related to a mild head injury.
For example, they may not remember that they fell off their bike as a teenager or
bumped their head on the steering wheel in a car accident. Because of this, recovery can often be an uphill battle, especially when traditional treatments aren’t effective.
There is hope on the horizon as science continues to discover ways to help the brain heal naturally. Recent research into emerging therapies offer hope to the question: can hyperbaric oxygen therapy heal the brain?
Fortunately, healing traumatic brain injuries with oxygen therapy has shown results. Research published in Frontiers in Neurology showed how hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves brain function, reduces inflammation, and enhances neuroplasticity, helping the brain repair itself faster after an injury.
If you or someone you love is struggling with brain fog, headaches, or memory problems after a concussion or TBI, utilizing HBOT could be beneficial.
Let’s dive into how HBOT works, why it’s so effective, and what to expect during and after treatment, using expert insights from Amen University’s Concussion Rescue course led by Dr. Kabran Chapek. Whether you're recovering from a recent injury or dealing with lingering symptoms, this information could help you get your brain—and your life—back on track.
The Magic Bullet for Brain Injuries
Dr. Chapek, a naturopathic physician at Amen Clinics since 2013 and an expert in the use of integrative treatments, refers to hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a "magic bullet" for brain injuries.
HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases levels in the blood, reducing inflammation and healing traumatic brain injuries with oxygen therapy. It’s a noninvasive treatment often utilized to address various conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, wound healing, and decompression sickness.
Research indicates that HBOT can significantly reduce brain tissue swelling and improve cerebral blood flow. A study published in 2022 demonstrated that HBOT led to a 19.2% reduction in brain oxygenation deficits within 15 minutes post-TBI, highlighting its potential in acute injury scenarios. This is impressive progress for trauma to such a sensitive and delicate part of your body.
How Does HBOT Work?
During HBOT sessions, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, typically 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure.
The process enhances the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the bloodstream that then facilitates increased oxygen delivery to injured brain tissues. The elevated oxygen levels help reduce inflammation, decrease intracranial pressure, and promote the repair of damaged neurons.
All of this should be discussed between you and your physician or brain trauma specialist to know exactly each step you’ll go through.
It's essential to note that while HBOT offers numerous benefits, it must be administered under professional supervision to mitigate potential risks, such as oxygen toxicity or ear discomfort due to pressure changes.
A comprehensive evaluation by your healthcare provider is crucial to determine the suitability of HBOT for your case.
Restores Neurological Function
One of the remarkable benefits of HBOT is its ability to restore neurological function. Brain injuries often disrupt neural connections, leading to cognitive impairments.
HBOT promotes neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. By increasing the oxygen supply, HBOT supports the healing of synapses and enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive processing.
A 2022 study highlighted how patients undergoing HBOT showed significant improvements in neuropsychological functioning in the subacute phase post-injury. These findings underscore the short-term potential in facilitating hyperbaric oxygen for concussion recovery and reducing long-term cognitive deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs.
Your Quality of Life Improves
The benefits of HBOT extend beyond neurological restoration as patients often experience an overall enhancement in quality of life. By boosting oxygen-rich blood flow to soft tissues, HBOT aids in reducing chronic fatigue, improving sleep patterns, and alleviating persistent headaches—all common symptoms following brain injuries.
Long-term studies have shown that consistent HBOT sessions can lead to sustained improvements in both physical and cognitive functions. In fact, patients report an improved sense of well-being including:
● Increased Energy Levels – Many people experience a noticeable boost in energy, reduced chronic fatigue, and better energy throughout the day.
● Better Mood Regulation – HBOT has been shown to support emotional stability, with patients reporting fewer mood swings, reduced anxiety, and improved overall mental well-being.
● Sharper Cognitive Function – Improvements in memory, focus, and problem-solving skills, allowing patients to think more clearly and regain cognitive abilities lost after a brain injury.
● Enhanced Sleep Quality – Many people report falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and waking up feeling more refreshed—crucial for brain healing.
● Greater Ability to Engage in Daily Activities – With reduced brain fog, better motor function, and improved stamina, patients find it easier to return to work, social activities, and hobbies they once enjoyed.
What To Do After HBOT Treatment
Hyperbaric treatment for brain recovery can often be a critical component of the healing process when overcoming major trauma. Following treatment, continued care is essential to maintaining and enhancing your recovery.
Here are some post-HBOT strategies that have been proven to help people continue to see progress post-TBI:
● Engaging in Cognitive Rehabilitation: Participate in therapies like neurofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to strengthen memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
● Maintaining a Brain-Healthy Diet: Prioritize whole foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that support brain health.
● Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate consistent movement to activate mobility function throughout your body with exercises that promote cardiovascular health that supports cognitive function like walking and cycling.
● Continuous Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to track progress and address any emerging concerns can mitigate setbacks in recovery.
This is why Dr. Chapek emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to brain health, integrating lifestyle modifications using hyperbaric oxygen for concussion recovery to achieve better brain health outcomes.
To delve deeper into the science and application of HBOT in brain injury recovery, register for Amen University's Concussion Rescue course.
