From the Research
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recommended as a treatment for concussion, particularly for patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms, based on the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Background
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as a potential treatment for concussion, particularly for patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms. The therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, typically at 1.5-3 times normal atmospheric pressure, for sessions lasting 60-90 minutes, repeated over multiple days or weeks.
Evidence
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic was published in 2020 1. This randomized controlled trial found that 40 sessions of HBOT at 150 kPa/60 minutes significantly improved symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients with mild traumatic brain injury and persistent post-concussion syndrome. The study also found that these improvements persisted for at least 2 months after the treatment.
Comparison with Other Studies
Other studies have also investigated the effectiveness of HBOT for concussion, but they have reported mixed results. For example, a 2017 study found that HBOT was not effective in reducing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome 2, while a 2015 study highlighted the limitations of previous studies on this topic, including the use of inappropriate sham groups and subjective assessment methods 3. However, the 2020 study 1 addressed these limitations and provided stronger evidence for the effectiveness of HBOT.
Clinical Implications
Based on the available evidence, HBOT should be considered as a treatment option for patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms. However, patients should be aware that HBOT is still considered an experimental treatment for this indication and may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, HBOT requires commitment to multiple treatment sessions and may be costly.
Key Points
- HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to reduce inflammation and promote healing in injured brain tissue.
- The most recent and highest quality study found that HBOT significantly improved symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients with mild traumatic brain injury and persistent post-concussion syndrome 1.
- HBOT should be considered as a treatment option for patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms, but patients should be aware of the potential costs and limitations of this treatment.