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Hyperbaric side effects in a traumatic brain injury randomized clinical trial
E George Wolf1, Jennifer Prye, Robert Michaelson
1USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Hyperbaric Medicine Department, Lackland AFB, Texas, USA. earl.wolf.ctr@us.af.mil
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) at 2.4 atm abs showed a mild side effect profile in military service members with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study indicates HBO2T is safe for TBI treatment, supporting risk/benefit evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Military Health
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prevalent in military service members.
- Post-concussion symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) is being investigated for TBI treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and side effects of 2.4 atmospheres absolute (atm abs) hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) compared to a sham in military personnel with combat-related mild TBI.
- To catalog adverse events associated with high-pressure HBO2 exposure.
Main Methods:
- Fifty subjects with TBI were randomized into two groups: sham (1.3 atm abs air) or treatment (2.4 atm abs 100% oxygen).
- Subjects underwent 30 hyperbaric exposures.
- Medical events were recorded and analyzed by independent medical staff and chamber operators.
Main Results:
- The most frequent side effects were mild, including ear block (5.91% in treatment vs. 1.09% in sham) and sinus squeeze (0.27% in treatment vs. 0% in sham).
- No major adverse events like pulmonary barotrauma, pulmonary edema, or seizures were reported.
- Other infrequent side effects included headache, nausea, and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2.4 atm abs demonstrated a safe and infrequent mild side effect profile in TBI patients.
- These findings support the use of HBO2T in TBI populations and aid in risk/benefit assessments for various TBI-related conditions.
