Case Study: TBI from Previous Sports Injuries

A 23 year old male came to our office with a history of multiple concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which he previously sustained while playing football and lacrosse. His most recent TBI occured in 2019 which led to recurrent headaches, light sensitivity, brain fog, tinnitus, short term memory loss and occasional scotomas (blind spots).

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can increase healing in the brain after traumatic brain injury, and he was started on a personalized hyperbaric therapy protocol. After completing his HBOT, he reported an increase in energy, far less frequent headaches, and improved memory.

CASE STUDY:

Patient Age: 23

Gender: Male

Presentation: Post-concussion symptoms of headaches, light sensitivity, brain fog, tinnitus, short term memory loss and scotomas.

Health History: History of concussions and head injuries. Last injury was 3 years ago.

Personalized Treatment Protocol: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a hard chamber at 2.0 ATA for 90 minutes daily, forty sessions total.

Patient Outcome: Noticeable improvement fatigue, frequency and intensity of headaches and memory loss.

Notes from the clinical team at HMS:

Every concussion is a traumatic brain injury.

You don’t have to be an athlete to get a concussion. It can happen to anyone, at any age, under an array of circumstances. In fact, concussions most commonly result from motor vehicle accidents and falls.

Even a mild concussion can lead to significant health challenges. Although some may notice an improvement in their condition immediately, or after several months, others may continue to suffer lingering effects for much longer. If symptoms last more than three months, this is defined as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

PCS SYMPTOMS OFTEN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Headaches or migraines
Personality changes
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Memory issues
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Difficulties focusing
Light-headed or dizziness

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Concussions & Post-Concussion Syndrome

The use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries in patients aims to relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery by promoting damaged tissue repair and angiogenesis, or blood vessel growth.

HBOT can help those suffering with traumatic brain injury and/or PCS by: