A Veteran’s Path to Recovery and Renewal through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Mike Merzke
Sergeant Major, USA, Retired.
Mike Merzke is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major who served 25 years, including eight deployments—four to Iraq and four to Afghanistan, along with operational tours in Panama and Kosovo. His extensive service, much of it within the Special Operations community, exposed him to multiple blast events that resulted in several traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). His commitment to his missions and his soldiers came at the cost of his own physical and emotional health.
Relief from Migraines and Physical Healing
After just 10 sessions, Mike noticed deeper sleep, improved mental clarity, and fewer headaches. By the 20th dive, his migraines—previously managed through decades of medication—completely disappeared. Over a year later, he has not experienced a single migraine and rarely suffers headaches. HBOT also accelerated physical recovery, allowing him to heal from a pulled back muscle faster than ever before.
Cognitive and Emotional Improvements
Mike’s memory, focus, and overall mental clarity significantly improved during the therapy. The treatment also helped him feel more balanced emotionally after years of accumulated stress and trauma from military service.
Hope for His Son
For Colin, who is nonverbal and has cerebral palsy, the improvements were equally inspiring. He began making new sounds, attempting communication, and showing more movement and engagement. These small but meaningful changes gave the family a renewed sense of hope for his continued healing.
A Family Experience of Healing
For Mike, the experience was not just medical—it was emotional and familial. He praised the Extivita staff for their compassion, noting how welcoming and kind they were to both him and Colin. The therapy has become a symbol of healing and connection for his entire family.
Mike Merzke’s journey exemplifies the transformative potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for both veterans and families affected by brain injuries. Through HBOT, he found physical relief, mental clarity, and renewed hope—not only for himself but for his son’s future as well.