Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, unfortunately, a major cause of death and disability worldwide.
According to the data found on the CDC's website, "There were approximately 223,135 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2019* and 64,362 TBI-related deaths in 2020" (TBI Data | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center, n.d.).
However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), has demonstrated it's ability to enhance the recovery from a TBI and increase brain activity by reducing hypoxia (deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues), and by also helping to reduce the levels of inflammation in the brain, while also increasing circulation to it.
HBOT has also been shown to possibly enhance the effects of therapies traditionally used to treat a TBI, which may include the standard intensive rehabilitation.
The International Hyperbarics Association lists these as demonstrated benefits of HBOT for TBI:
Enhance Neurological Repair and Regeneration with HBOT:
Attenuates the effects of hypoxia and inflammation in the brain
Promotes neurogenesis
Moderates mitochondrial disorders
Enhances stem cell mobilization and proliferation
Increases penumbra tissue recovery
Stimulates neuroplasticity
Induces remyelination
Augments concussion recovery
Improve Overall Function with HBOT:
Advances cognitive function
Improves gross/fine motor skills
Enhances speech and language
Alleviates spasticity
Lessens frequency of seizures
Stimulates better eye contact
Improves balance and walking
If you or someone you know has suffered from a TBI and are curious about how HBOT may help, give us a call at 515-421-4002!
Interested in taking a look at the research yourself? Check out this direct link to research articles on hyperbaric treatments and TBI.
You can also check out this video from Dr. Jason Sonners from HBOT USA in regards to hyperbarics + TBIs:
References:
TBI Data | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/data/index.html
International Hyperbarics Association. (2019). TBI & Hyperbarics [Brochure]. International Hyperbarics Association.
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