Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with post-concussion syndrome improves cognitive and behavioral function: a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Medicine
• Rehabilitative Medicine

Background:

• Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a significant cause of morbidity in children after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Effective treatments for pediatric PPCS remain limited, despite evidence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) benefits in adults.
• This study investigates HBOT's efficacy in children with chronic PPCS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on cognitive and behavioral functions in children with persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS).
• To assess changes in PPCS symptoms and brain microstructural integrity following HBOT in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial involving 25 children (ages 8-15) with chronic PPCS from mild-moderate TBI.
• Participants received 60 daily sessions of either HBOT (n=15) or sham treatment (n=10).
• Cognitive function, PPCS symptoms, and brain MRI microstructural changes were assessed post-treatment.

Main Results:

• HBOT significantly improved general cognitive scores, memory, and executive functions (p<0.05).
• Significant reductions in PPCS emotional symptoms and hyperactivity were observed (p<0.05).
• Improvements correlated with microstructural changes in key brain regions, including the insula and frontal gyri.

Conclusions:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is effective in improving cognitive and behavioral function in pediatric patients with chronic persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS).
• HBOT positively impacts PPCS symptoms and quality of life, even years after the initial traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Further research is needed to optimize HBOT protocols and identify patient subgroups who benefit most.