Hyperbaric oxygen for mild traumatic brain injury: Design and baseline summary

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Traumatology
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can lead to persistent post-concussive symptoms.
• Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) is being investigated as a potential treatment for mTBI sequelae.
• The Brain Injury and Mechanisms of Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (BIMA) study provides a comprehensive evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) in treating persistent post-concussive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
• To explore the mechanisms of action of HBO₂ in the context of mTBI.
• To provide a detailed assessment of various functional outcomes in military personnel with mTBI.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial involving 71 participants.
• Participants received either HBO₂ at 1.5 ATA or sham treatments (1.2 ATA air) for 40 sessions.
• Comprehensive assessments included neuropsychological, neuroimaging, neurological, vestibular, autonomic, electroencephalography, and visual systems, with long-term follow-up.

Main Results:

• Primary results were anticipated in 2017, with comprehensive data collection extending to 36 months post-intervention.
• Baseline characteristics of the 71 randomized military personnel are detailed, including age, injury type (blast, multiple), and co-occurring conditions like PTSD.
• The study design and comprehensive outcome battery are described, setting the stage for detailed analysis.

Conclusions:

• The BIMA study offers a robust design for investigating HBO₂ in mTBI.
• Results are expected to significantly contribute to understanding mTBI, irrespective of HBO₂'s therapeutic role.
• The findings will inform future research and clinical management of persistent post-concussive symptoms.