Systematic Review and Dosage Analysis: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Efficacy in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Persistent...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome (PPCS) affects over 15% of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients.
• Current PPCS treatments are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Approach:

• Systematic review of adult clinical studies on HBOT for mTBI-induced PPCS.
• Searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane databases (August 2021).
• Analyzed studies based on oxygen dose, barometric pressure, and outcomes, classifying evidence levels.

Key Points:

• Eleven studies (6 RCTs) were included in the analysis.
• HBOT at 1.5 ATA oxygen demonstrated statistically significant symptomatic and cognitive improvements in multiple RCTs.
• Increased pressure (around 1.5 ATA) appears more critical than oxygen concentration for efficacy.

Conclusions:

• 1.5 ATA HBOT meets Level 1 evidence criteria for PPCS treatment.
• HBOT offers a promising, evidence-based option for mTBI patients with PPCS.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to optimize HBOT protocols.