How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals the Post-Concussion Brain

With everything we juggle—from everyday moments to major life events— we often overlook the small head bumps and jolts that seem to happen out of nowhere. Whether it’s a minor slip on the stairs, a bump from a cabinet door, or a sports-related fall, it’s important to take any form of head trauma seriously.

Even the most seemingly minor head injuries can lead to lasting damage, especially if they go unnoticed. According to the CDC, approximately 2.8 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) annually, ranging from mild concussions to more severe injuries.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum of injury, it’s important to know the best concussion treatment options, including emerging therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Dr. Kabran Chapek, a physician at Amen Clinics and the author of Concussion Rescue, breaks down this innovative treatment and how it can aid in brain health rehabilitation in Amen University’s Concussion Rescue course. 

What Is a Concussion?

Before diving into the details of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it's crucial to understand concussions and what happens when you get one.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head, shaking the brain inside the skull. While concussions are commonly associated with sports injuries or car accidents, they can also result from everyday situations, such as a slip on the ice or a fall at home.

It’s important to understand that even a mild traumatic brain injury can lead to lasting problems.

A few common and uncommon symptoms of concussions include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion or feeling "foggy"
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea or vomiting
• Memory problems
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, or depression)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in balance or coordination

The severity in these symptoms can vary, so getting professional concussion support to determine the appropriate brain injury treatment is critical. If left untreated, even mild concussions can lead to long-term complications. That’s why it's essential to consider a concussion management program like Amen University’s digital concussion course.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a noninvasive treatment that involves breathing concentrated oxygen in a specialized pressurized chamber. This process allows oxygen to dissolve into all the body’s fluids and tissues, including the brain, promoting the body’s natural healing processes.

For individuals recovering from concussions, HBOT is a promising addition to brain injury treatment. This natural therapy is particularly effective because the brain requires more oxygen than any other organ to function correctly.

Increased oxygen levels in the body accelerates brain cell repair. In fact, a 2019 brain-imaging study using SPECT and PET scans found that the use of HBOT improved brain metabolism in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Concussion Rescue Program gives you insights about when HBOT should be used as well as recommended frequency, which is a course of about 40 HBOT daily sessions to speed up recovery. These sessions should be used alongside other therapies and techniques (also covered in the course), making it an integral part of a holistic brain health rehabilitation plan.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Post-Concussion Brain

1. Reducing Brain Inflammation

Concussions often lead to inflammation in the brain, which can disrupt normal brain function. This inflammation can persist long after the initial injury, leading to lingering symptoms like brain fog, headaches, and memory problems.

HBOT works to reduce inflammation by delivering concentrated oxygen to the affected areas. The pressurized chamber helps push oxygen deep into the tissues, improving blood flow and accelerating the healing process.

For those seeking traumatic brain injury help, reducing inflammation is a critical first step toward recovery. The Amen University Concussion Rescue course emphasizes that inflammation is a major contributor to long-term traumatic brain injury symptoms and how HBOT can be a game-changer in addressing this issue early on.

2. Promoting Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This process is vital in the recovery from concussions because damaged areas of the brain need to adapt and recover their functions. HBOT enhances neuroplasticity by delivering the oxygen necessary for brain cells to repair themselves and create new pathways.

By promoting neuroplasticity, HBOT helps individuals regain cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. The traumatic brain injury support offered by HBOT can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with long-term complications from concussions.

3. Improving Energy Production and Detoxification

Concussions can interfere with the brain’s ability to produce energy at the cellular level. This disruption can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and an overall sense of mental exhaustion.

According to research, HBOT boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule responsible for energy transfer within cells. This increase in energy production enables the brain to heal more efficiently and quickly.

Moreover, HBOT enhances your body’s natural detoxification process. Essentially, it helps the brain eliminate waste products and damaged cells that may have accumulated due to the injury.

This cleansing process is crucial for restoring optimal brain function, as toxins can contribute to persistent symptoms after a concussion. By improving energy production and detoxification, HBOT offers a comprehensive approach to concussion care.

What’s Next? Your Life Work For You

If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the various concussion treatment options available. Here are three things you can do right now to take control of your recovery:

1. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider: The first step in any concussion management program is to seek help from a physician who uses functional brain scans such as SPECT to identify any areas of the brain that are not working optimally. This can help your doctor recommend the most effective brain health rehabilitation techniques.
2. Ask about hyperbaric oxygen therapy: During your appointment, discuss if HBOT is the best brain injury treatment option for you. Not all doctors may be familiar with this therapy, but there’s an increasing body of research supporting its effectiveness so it’s worth bringing up.
3. Explore the Concussion Rescue course: In this on-demand concussion course, Dr. Kabran Chapek takes you through a comprehensive overview of concussion care and treatment, including HBOT. This course provides valuable insights into concussion prevention tips and brain injury support for those seeking long-term recovery solutions.

Recovering from a concussion can be a long and challenging journey. You deserve to know if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the best option for you to significantly improve your brain health after a concussion. Dr. Kabran Chapek, an expert in functional and integrative treatments, has helped countless patients recover from a traumatic brain injury using a combination of therapies, including HBOT.

Check out Amen University’s Concussion Rescue course to help you identify potential concussion symptoms and learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could restore your brain health.