1.      Increases oxygen delivery to the brain

After a concussion, reduced blood flow and swelling can deprive brain tissue of oxygen.  HBOT saturates 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.

2.      Reduced brain inflammation and swelling

HBOT decreases inflammation and oxidative stress, helping to restore normal brain metabolism and reduce post-concussive symptoms such as headaches, fogginess, and fatigue.

3.      Promotes neuroplasticity and repair

HBOT supports the brains ability to form new neural connections and regenerate damaged cells by improving cellular metabolism and function in ‘idlling’ or dormant neurons.  These reactivated neurons can reconnect with healthy networks, improving brain performance and recovery.

4.      Improves mitochondrial function

After a concussion, the brain experiences what’s called a ‘metabolic crisis’ – oxygen delivery drops, inflammation rises, and the mitochondria (the cell’s energy powerhouses) become dysfunctional.  HBOT directly targets this dysfunction and helps restore normal brain and energy metabolism.

5.      Reduces secondary injury

HBOT helps prevent further cell death and tissue damage caused by the cascade of inflammation and oxidative stress that can follow a concussion.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with post-concussion syndrome improves cognitive and behavioural function (2022)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can induce neuroplasticity and improve cognitive function of patients suffering from anoxic brain damage (2015)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may induce angiogenesis and regeneration of neurofibres in traumatic brain injury patients and post-concussion syndrome (2017)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for mild traumatic brain injury persistent post-concussion syndrome: a randomised controlled trial (2013)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a better cognitive outcome than normobaric hyperoxia for mild traumatic brain injury (2023)

Meta-analysis:  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury (including mild to severe) (2016)