Concussed Student Athlete Program - Help Our Wounded Foundation
Concussions are a common injury among athletes and veterans, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that around 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the United States alone. Concussions can have serious and long-lasting effects on an individual's cognitive and physical abilities, and proper treatment is essential for a full recovery.
Concussions can range in severity, but even mild concussions can have serious long-term effects if not properly treated.
Symptoms of a concussion may include headache, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and feeling sluggish or drowsy. In some cases, a person who has suffered a concussion may also experience mood changes, sleep disturbances, and difficulty with balance.
One treatment option that has gained attention in recent years is the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for concussion treatment. HBOT involves breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues. This can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing process. Preliminary studies and published research has shown HBOT to be the most effective treatment available for athletes suffering multiple concussions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating Post Concussion Syndrome, a serious side effect of multiple or severe concussions.
There is some evidence to suggest that HBOT may be effective in treating concussions. A study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that HBOT significantly improved cognitive function in a group of military personnel who had sustained a concussion while deployed. Another study published in the Journal of Hyperbaric Medicine found that HBOT improved symptoms and cognitive function in a group of amateur athletes who had suffered a concussion.
However, it is important to note that the evidence for the effectiveness of HBOT for concussion treatment is still somewhat limited in scope. While there have been a number of studies that have shown promising results, more research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of HBOT for concussion treatment. Anecdotally, our patients have seen tremendous results and we find HBOT to be very effective treatment.
Overall, HBOT may be a promising treatment option for individuals who have suffered a concussion. While more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of HBOT for concussion treatment, it is a treatment option that may be worth considering for those looking for additional ways to improve their recovery.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
Brummel, S. M., Baker, E. J., & Bailes, J. E. (2019). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussion: A systematic review. Journal of Neurotrauma, 36(4), 651-659.
Rock, M. D., & Balasubramanian, V. (2018). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussion in amateur athletes. Journal of Hyperbaric Medicine, 33(1), 44-51.
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