TBI and Hyperbarics
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death world-wide. According to the CDC, 138 people are affected by TBI every day and these injuries contribute to approximately 30% of all injury deaths in the U.S. alone. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) in conjunction with intensive rehabilitation bas been demonstrated to enhance the recovery from TBI and augment brain activity by reducing hypoxia and neuroinflammation, while increasing circulation in the brain. Clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT for TBI with the following:
Enhance Neurological Repair & Regeneration with HBOT:
- Attenuates the Effects of Hypoxia and Inflammation in the Brain
- Promotes Neurogenesis
- Moderates Mitochondrial Disorders
- Enhances Stem Cells 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 & Language
- Alleviated Spasticity
- Lessens Frequency of Seizures
- Stimulates Better Eye Contact
- Improves Balance & Walking
Study: Motor Function Improved with HBOT
In 2014, a controlled longitudinal study was published and assessed the effects of intensive rehabilitation combined with HBOT on gross and fine motor function in 150 children with cerebral palsy. This eight-month study involved every child receiving standard rehabilitation, with three groups also including the HBOT into their regimen. The control group consisted of children who did not undergo hyperbaric treatments and participated in standard rehabilitation only. All HBOT groups received 40 one hour sessions, six days a week. The first HBOT group was treated at 1.3 atmospheres absolute (ATA) with compressed air. The second HBOT group was treated at 1.5 ATA with 100 percent oxygen delivered through a hood system and the third HBOT group was treated at 1.75 ATA, also with 100 percent oxygen delivered through a hood system. After the eight-month follow up, all four groups improved. However, the HBOT groups’ gross and fine motor function variations were on average three times higher than the control. The study concluded that there was no significant statistical difference between the improvements observed within the three HBOT groups.
Intensive rehabilitation combined with HBO2 therapy in children with cerebral palsy:
A controlled longitudinal study
Arun Mukherjee M.D. 1, Maxime Raison Ph.D. 2, Taurn Sahni M.D. 3, Anand Arya MPt 4, Jean Lambert Ph.D. 5, Pierre Marois M.D. 2, Philip B. James M.B. 6, Audrey Parent B.Sc. 2, Laurent Ballaz Ph.D. 2
