How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Can Aid in Concussion Recovery
/Have you or a loved one ever suffered a concussion that just didn’t get better with rest? Do you know someone who has suffered several concussions from athletic competition or car accidents and still doesn’t feel right?
Trust me, I’ve had my own share of concussions as a former Taekwondo fighter, and I've worked as a sports rehab expert with professional sports teams including the Los Angeles Football Club, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cirque du Soleil. Working in these environments for such a long time, I know firsthand that concussions are no joke, especially when they affect your quality of life.
In this blog, I’m going to share how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, also known as HBOT, may be a great therapy option if you or a loved one is suffering from concussion-like symptoms.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull.
Imagine this is your skull, and my fist is your brain. When it hits the side of your skull, some type of trauma results, in addition to inflammation in such a small confined space.
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to experience a concussion. It can come from the most innocent events such as the trunk of your car coming down on your head, being involved in a car accident and experiencing whiplash, or even a simple fall from tripping over an object on the floor.
Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and even long-term cognitive issues.
Think back to an event where you experienced some type of hit, fall, or other trauma. Did you have any of these symptoms? Personally, in my early 20s, I remember feeling like this after wiping out while snowboarding. Like me before I became a medical professional and knew better, you probably just waved it off and went about your day. But the reality is, there’s a pretty good chance you experienced some type of concussion.
Traditional Recovery vs. Persistent Symptoms
Ideally, concussions resolve with rest, proper nutrition, and avoiding activities that could aggravate you further. However, the scary thing is that many times these symptoms can linger.
Introducing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Now let’s talk about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen inside a pressurized environment.
How HBOT Works for Concussions
When you undergo HBOT treatments, the pressurized environment increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. This hyper-oxygenation allows more oxygen to reach damaged tissues—in the case of concussions, your brain.
Reduced Inflammation: HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation. This can help alleviate the swelling that often occurs after a concussion, reducing pressure on the brain and alleviating symptoms like headaches and dizziness.
Enhanced Blood Flow: A proper protocol of sessions can promote the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. Improved blood flow can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured brain, accelerating the healing process.
Neuro-protection: HBOT has neuroprotective effects, meaning it can help protect brain cells from further damage. It does this by reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell death, which is crucial in the early stages of concussion recovery.
Improved Metabolic Function: After a concussion, the brain's metabolic function can be impaired. HBOT helps restore normal metabolic function by enhancing mitochondrial activity, leading to better energy production and faster recovery of brain function.
Stem Cell Mobilization: With enough treatments, HBOT can also stimulate the release of stem cells from the bone marrow, which can travel to the brain and aid in the repair of damaged tissues.
Even if you don’t understand all the science, it’s okay. At the end of the day, the natural combination of pressure and oxygen can really help you heal that much better, especially something as important as your brain.
When to Seek Help
If you know someone who may have suffered a concussion and is still having difficulty concentrating, their mood is a bit off, or they are more lethargic and “just don’t feel right,” it’s important to be seen by a medical professional.
Conclusion
If you are interested in considering HBOT as part of your recovery plan, our experienced team at HealthFit is here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the best care possible.
Check out our website or give us a call to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
If you found this blog helpful, please share it with family and friends who might benefit from this information. Taking care of your brain health is crucial, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
