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TBI & Hyperbarics

Blogs
December 06, 2025•2 min read

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1. What Happens in a Concussion or TBI

A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain experiences a sudden impact or rapid movement inside the skull. This can stretch and irritate brain cells, disrupt normal electrical communication, and reduce blood flow to essential areas (Meythaler et al., 2001). Even after the initial injury, many individuals continue to experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, brain fog, memory problems, mood changes, and fatigue. These lingering issues—sometimes called post-concussive symptoms—are linked to ongoing inflammation, poor oxygen delivery, and reduced cellular energy production in injured brain tissue (McCrory et al., 2017).

2. How HBOT Helps Reduce Inflammation After TBI

Inflammation is one of the body’s main responses to brain injury, but prolonged inflammation can worsen symptoms and slow recovery. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help reduce this inflammation by:

  • Delivering high levels of oxygen to damaged brain tissue

  • Lowering inflammatory cytokines

  • Supporting the repair of blood vessels and neurons

  • Improving circulation to areas with reduced blood flow

Studies have shown that HBOT can help calm the inflammatory response and improves neurological function in individuals recovering from concussions and TBIs (Harch & Neubauer, 2009; Thom, 2009). Many patients report improvements in headaches, sleep, mental clarity, and mood after a series of sessions.

3. Bouncing Back After a TBI With HBOT

Healing from a concussion or TBI often takes time because injured neurons need adequate oxygen and cellular energy to fully recover. When these areas remain oxygen-deprived, symptoms can linger and progress more slowly. HBOT helps the brain “bounce back” by greatly increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, allowing it to reach areas with impaired circulation. This enhanced oxygen supply supports:

  • Faster tissue repair and recovery

  • Improved mitochondrial function for better energy production

  • Enhanced communication between brain cells

  • Reduction in long-lasting symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, and irritability

Clinical studies demonstrate that HBOT can lead to measurable improvements in cognitive performance, mood, sleep, and daily functioning after a concussion or TBI (Hoffer et al., 2013; Wolf et al., 2012).

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