Concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can have lasting and debilitating effects on individuals. While traditional treatment often involves rest and symptom management, emerging research suggests that combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and targeted nutritional supplementation could significantly accelerate recovery.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Concussion Recovery
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increased oxygenation can promote healing by:
Improving blood flow: HBOT can enhance blood flow to the brain, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues and driving the body to create new blood vessels.
Reducing inflammation: Inflammation plays a crucial role in post-concussion symptoms. HBOT can help reduce inflammation, leading to faster recovery.
Promoting neurogenesis: HBOT may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, which can aid in repairing damaged brain tissue.
Increasing Circulating Stem Cells: HBOT may increase the number of circulating stem cells in the body, thus increasing the body’s own healing capacity.
A specific HBOT therapy protocol will be created for you and will be dependent on the severity of the concussion and lingering symptoms. This protocol may be anywhere from 10-80 hours of treatment, with most patients choosing 20-40 sessions as their initial trial of care.
Nutritional Supplementation: A Complementary Approach
Nutritional supplementation can provide essential nutrients to support brain health and recovery. Some key nutrients to consider include. A new research article points to the supplements and nutrients that may be best suited for concussion recovery and we’re excited to list those supplements here.
*Citation below
As you can see above, a well-balanced diet can provide many of these nutrients. However, in some cases, supplementation may be necessary to ensure adequate intake.
Combining HBOT and Nutritional Supplementation
When combined, HBOT and nutritional supplementation may offer synergistic benefits for concussion recovery. HBOT can enhance the delivery of nutrients to brain cells, while nutritional supplementation can provide the building blocks for repair and regeneration. Please reach out if you'd like a consultation with our team.
Depending on your symptoms, we may also advise chiropractic care and physical therapy care as part of your protocol. If you are already seeing these providers at another clinic, we’ll work in collaboration with them for your best outcomes.
Citations:
More about HBOT and concussions and TBIs can be found here:
Nutrition and Supplementation article referenced above:
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with 1 a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or supplement 2 regimen.
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