Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Persistent postconcussion syndrome (PPCS) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) presents a significant challenge with limited effective treatments.
• mTBI affects both civilian and military populations, leading to long-term cognitive and psychological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of forty 150 kPa hyperbaric oxygen therapies (HBOTs) in improving symptoms and cognitive function in mTBI/PPCS patients.
• To assess the durability of HBOT effects through a 2-month follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled crossover trial involving 63 civilian and military subjects with mTBI/PPCS.
• Participants received either 40 HBOT sessions (150 kPa, 60 minutes daily, 5 days/week for 8 weeks) or a no-treatment control period, followed by crossover.
• Comprehensive testing included symptom inventories, neuropsychological assessments, and psychological evaluations before and after treatment/control, with follow-up testing.

Main Results:

• HBOT group demonstrated significant improvements in the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Memory Index, and Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics.
• Statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were observed, alongside improvements in sleep quality and quality of life.
• The control group experienced similar significant improvements after crossing over to HBOT, and benefits persisted at 2-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Forty HBOTs at 150 kPa are effective in improving a range of symptoms and cognitive functions in mTBI/PPCS patients.
• HBOT offers a promising therapeutic option for persistent postconcussion symptoms, with sustained benefits.
• The findings support HBOT as a viable treatment for improving outcomes in individuals suffering from mTBI-related sequelae.