Cognitive function in a traumatic brain injury hyperbaric oxygen randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to persistent cognitive deficits and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is being investigated as a potential treatment for TBI-related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 2.4 atm abs of 100% oxygen (HBOT) compared to a sham (1.3 atm abs air) in improving cognition and PTSD symptoms in TBI subjects.
• To identify potential subgroups that may benefit from HBOT.

Main Methods:

• Fifty randomized TBI subjects underwent 30 exposures of either HBOT or sham treatment.
• Cognitive function and PTSD symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at a six-week follow-up using ImPACT, Brain-checkers, and the PTSD Checklist for Military (PCL-M).
• Concussion history was recorded for subgroup analysis.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in overall cognitive scores or PCL-M composite scores were observed between the HBOT and sham groups.
• Both groups exhibited improvements in cognitive function and PTSD symptoms.
• Subgroup analyses revealed significant improvements in the HBOT group for individuals with a history of concussions, particularly in visual memory, processing speed, and reaction time.

Conclusions:

• While overall results did not show a significant advantage of HBOT over sham treatment for TBI, both interventions led to improvements.
• Specific subgroups, particularly those with a history of concussion, demonstrated a favorable response to HBOT.
• Future research should focus on these identified subgroups to explore HBOT's potential as an adjunctive therapy for persistent TBI symptoms.