Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Concussion Recovery

Struggling with persistent post-concussion symptoms? HBOT may help support your recovery in our state-of-the-art Auckland clinic.

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What is an Acute Concussion?

This is the initial brain injury that happens right after a blow to the head or body

Key Points:

• Occurs immediately to days after injury

• Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, light sensitivity, and fatigue

• The brain is in a metabolic energy crisis with reduced blood flow and increased energy demand

• Symptoms may be short-term (days to weeks) or linger, creating post-concussion syndrome

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

This is where symptoms persist beyond the expected healing window

Key Points:

• Symptoms last weeks to months or even years

• Often defined as symptoms persisting over 4-6 weeks in adults, or over 4 weeks in children

• Symptoms may include headaches, brain fog, poor concentration, memory issues, sleep disturbance, mood changes, anxiety, or exercise intolerance

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Support Recovery

After a concussion, reduced blood flow and swelling can deprive brain tissue of oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works by saturating the blood with oxygen under pressure, allowing oxygen to dissolve directly into plasma and reach injured or inflamed areas that normal blood flow can't. This triggers a cascade of healing mechanisms that support recovery at the cellular level.

Increases Oxygen Delivery

HBOT saturates your blood with oxygen, allowing it to reach injured or inflamed brain areas that normal blood flow cannot access.

Reduces Brain Inflammation

HBOT decreases inflammation and oxidative stress, helping restore normal brain metabolism and reduce concussive symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and fatigue.

Promotes Neuroplasticity

HBOT supports the brain's ability to form new neural connections and regenerate damaged cells, allowing dormant neurons to reconnect with healthy networks.

Restores Cellular Energy

After a concussion, mitochondria (cells' energy powerhouses) become dysfunctional. HBOT targets this dysfunction and restores normal brain metabolism and energy production.

What Does the Research Say?

Growing evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may benefit patients with acute concussion and persistent post-concussion symptoms, even those with chronic symptoms lasting months or years after injury. Research shows improvements in cognitive function, symptom resolution, and quality of life. FORBES magazine, Dec 2025, reports HBOT was highlighted as one of the most extensively researched wellness technologies to date, with more than 30,000 scientific records indexed on Google Scholar.

Learn more about the science of HBOT →

What to Expect at Our Auckland Clinic

Our process is straightforward and patient-centered. Here's what your HBOT journey looks like:

1

Initial Assessment

We discuss your medical history, symptoms, and goals.

2

Personalized Plan

Acute concussions are typically treated for 3-5 sessions. Post-concussion syndrome requires more treatment, usually 10-20 sessions.

3

Inside the Pod

Relax in our comfortable chamber. Most patients read, work, or nap.

4

Progress Review

We track improvement and adjust based on symptom feedback

Ready to take the next step?

Book a Session

Who This May Be Suitable For

Acute & Persistent Concussion

People experiencing acute or long-term post-concussion symptoms

Cognitive Enhancement

Those seeking to improve cognitive function and mental clarity

Symptom Management

Patients managing headaches, fatigue, or sleep disturbances

Athletic Recovery

Athletes working to return to sport after concussion

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows mixed results for acute mild concussions, but emerging evidence suggests potential benefits for persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS)—a condition affecting patients with long-lasting concussion symptoms months or years after injury.

The most effective concussion recovery approach combines initial physical and cognitive rest (24-48 hours), gradual symptom-guided activity reintroduction, proper nutrition, quality sleep, and professional medical guidance—rather than aggressive intervention or complete bed rest.