Concussions are common in traumatic brain injuries and often disrupt normal brain function and healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers a potential solution by increasing oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissues, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and supporting neurological recovery, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy conclusively. In this article we would look at the potential benefits of HBOT in concussions and brain healing.

Does hyperbaric chamber work for concussions?

Yes! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been explored as a potential treatment for concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to its ability to enhance oxygen delivery to injured tissues. When a person undergoes HBOT, they breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and delivered to tissues throughout the body, including the brain.

One of the key mechanisms through which HBOT is believed to work for concussions is by improving blood flow and oxygen circulation in areas of the brain that have been affected by the injury. Traumatic brain injuries can disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain tissues, leading to cellular damage and impaired healing processes. By increasing oxygen levels in the blood and promoting better circulation, HBOT may help to revive damaged cells, facilitate tissue repair, and prevent further cell death.

Benefits of hyperbaric chamber for concussions

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been investigated for its potential benefits in treating concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). While the evidence is still evolving, there are several proposed benefits of HBOT for individuals recovering from concussions:

1. Increased Oxygen Delivery: Concussions can disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen delivery to injured brain tissues. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood. This elevated oxygen level can help enhance oxygen delivery to damaged areas of the brain, supporting cellular metabolism and facilitating tissue repair processes.
2. Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a common response to brain injury and can contribute to secondary damage and prolonged recovery. Some studies suggest that HBOT may help reduce inflammation in the brain by modulating immune responses and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. By mitigating inflammation, HBOT may promote a more favorable environment for healing and recovery.
3. Promotion of Neurogenesis and Angiogenesis: HBOT has been shown to stimulate the production of growth factors that promote the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and the generation of new neurons (neurogenesis). These processes are essential for repairing damaged brain tissue and restoring normal function. By enhancing angiogenesis and neurogenesis, HBOT may support the brain’s natural repair mechanisms and aid in concussion recovery.
4. Neuroprotective Effects: HBOT may have neuroprotective effects, meaning it can help protect brain cells from further damage following a concussion. By increasing oxygen availability and supporting cellular metabolism, HBOT may help mitigate the cascade of events that lead to secondary brain injury, potentially reducing the severity of symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals with concussions.
5. Improved Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that HBOT may lead to improvements in cognitive function, memory, and other neurological outcomes in individuals recovering from concussions. By enhancing brain oxygenation and promoting tissue repair, HBOT may help address cognitive deficits associated with brain injury and facilitate a faster return to normal functioning.

Side effects of hyperbaric chamber for concussions

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects and risks associated with its use, particularly when used for treating concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Some of the possible side effects of HBOT include:

1. Barotrauma: Changes in pressure, particularly during descent or ascent in the hyperbaric chamber, can cause barotrauma, which is damage to tissues due to pressure imbalances. Barotrauma can affect the ears (resulting in ear pain, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss) and sinuses (causing sinus pain or discomfort).
2. Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing high concentrations of oxygen under increased pressure can lead to oxygen toxicity, a condition characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, twitching, seizures, or changes in vision. Oxygen toxicity is more likely to occur with prolonged or repeated HBOT sessions at high pressures.
3. Claustrophobia: Some individuals may experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety while inside the hyperbaric chamber, particularly if they are uncomfortable with confined spaces. This psychological discomfort can make the HBOT experience distressing for some patients.
4. Fire Hazard: Oxygen supports combustion, so there is a risk of fire inside the hyperbaric chamber if proper safety precautions are not followed. Smoking, using electronic devices that generate sparks, or bringing flammable materials into the chamber should be strictly prohibited.
5. Fatigue and Decompression Sickness: After HBOT sessions, some individuals may experience fatigue, lightheadedness, or a feeling of “being off balance.” In rare cases, decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” can occur when ascending too quickly from high pressure to normal pressure. This condition can cause symptoms such as joint pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or neurological symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Harch, P. G. (2013). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Post-Concussion Syndrome: Contradictory Conclusions from a Study Mischaracterized as Sham-Controlled. Journal of Neurotrauma, 30(23), 1995-1999. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2012.2799

Wright, B., Guilliod, R., Thakur, B., Kundig, C., Morales, J., Tessler, J., Berry, J., Zhang, R., Bell, K. R., & Pinto, S. M. (2023). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy versus placebo for post-concussion syndrome (HOT-POCS): A randomized, double-blinded controlled pilot study. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101176

Hadanny, A., Catalogna, M., Yaniv, S., Stolar, O., Rothstein, L., Shabi, A., Suzin, G., Sasson, E., Lang, E., Finci, S., Polak, N., Fishlev, G., Harpaz, R. T., Adler, M., Goldman, R., Zemel, Y., Bechor, Y., & Efrati, S. (2022). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with post-concussion syndrome improves cognitive and behavioral function: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19395-y

Harch PG (2022) Systematic Review and Dosage Analysis: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Efficacy in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome. Front. Neurol. 13:815056. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.815056