What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT involves sitting in a pressurized chamber while breathing 100% medical-grade oxygen through a mask or hood. The chamber is pressurized to 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal atmospheric pressure (1.5 ATA to 2.5 ATA), equivalent to diving between 16 and 50 feet underwater. Most treatments at our preferred clinics are at 2.0 ATA (33 feet). As oxygen is regulated by the FDA, a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional is required, which the clinic provider can issue after an in-person consultation.
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy affect TBI & PTSD?
HBOT has been shown to improve cognitive function and quality of life in patients who experienced a mild TBI(1). Additionally, HBOT results in improved cognitive function (in multiple categories) in the case of moderate and severe TBI. These improvements were correlated with increased activity in the brain regions associated with each cognitive impairment(1).
HBOT also can have positive behavioral and neurochemical effects in patients with PTSD by regulating the immune system. Emerging evidence suggests that patients with PTSD have biological alterations, such as a dysregulated immune system, which results in oxidative stress and inflammation(2,4). In fact, a 2015 meta-analysis of 20 studies found that PTSD is associated with elevated levels of proinflammatory markers in the blood plasma and serum(3,4).
The consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation include accelerated cellular aging as well as increased risk of neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Taken together, the effects of increased disease risk increase the physical and emotional burden of those with PTSD(4). Thankfully, HBOT has been shown to inhibit many of the same proinflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers) that are elevated in PTSD, while also increasing anti-inflammatory/antioxidant gene expression(5). By doing so, HBOT may improve some of the chemical imbalances that can cause serious damage to those with PTSD.
Effects of HBOT on the Body
New Blood Vessel Formation
Stimulates angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, aiding in nutrient and oxygen delivery to injured tissues.
Increased Stem Cell Activity
Enhances stem cell proliferation and release, crucial for regenerative processes.
Decreased Inflammation
Reduces systemic inflammation by regulating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory gene expression.
Decreased Swelling
Reducing swelling can relieve pressure, improve blood flow, and allow the brain to heal more effectively.
Veteran Stories
Discover how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helped TJ Dunphy recover from chronic pain caused by his traumatic brain injury (TBI). HBOT has been life-changing for TJ, significantly improving his quality of life. To watch TJ’s full story and hear other powerful testimonials from veterans who have benefited from HBOT, visit our testimonials page.
References
- Silver, J.M., T.W. McAllister, and D.B. Arciniegas. Textbook of Traumatic Brain Injury. American Psychiatric Publishing, 2018. https://books.google.com/books?id=ViKMDwAAQBAJ.
- Bradley, Rebekah, et al. “A Multidimensional Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapy for PTSD.” The American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 162, no. 2, Feb. 2005, pp. 214–27. PubMed, doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.162.2.214.
- Jonas, Daniel E., et al. Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US), 2013. PubMed, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK137702/.
- Passos, Ives Cavalcante et al. “Inflammatory markers in post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.” The lancet. Psychiatry vol. 2,11 (2015): 1002-12. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00309-0
- Miller, Mark W et al. “Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Neuroprogression in Chronic PTSD.” Harvard review of psychiatry vol. 26,2 (2018): 57-69. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000167
Interested in receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
We are honored to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to Veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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