Understanding Concussions — And How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head. While many people recover fully within a few weeks, others develop persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) — lingering headaches, brain fog, memory challenges, mood changes, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and difficulty with concentration that last for months or even years. hyperbaricexperts.com+1
These symptoms can be especially disruptive for children and adolescents, affecting academic performance, social life, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. hyperbaricexperts.com
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment where patients breathe near-100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber — higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues, including areas that may be struggling after a brain injury. cognitivefxusa.com
HBOT has a well-established record of success for conditions like decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, and scientists are increasingly exploring its role in improving recovery after brain injuries, including concussions. Military Health System
Research Shows Promise for Concussion Recovery
✔ Improvements in Cognitive and Behavioral Function
A controlled trial involving children aged 8–15 who had suffered from persistent post-concussion syndrome found that 60 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved cognitive and behavioral outcomes compared with baseline. Researchers saw meaningful gains in memory, executive function, emotional symptoms, planning skills, and overall quality of life. PubMed+1
✔ Supports Brain Healing and Neuroplasticity
HBOT may promote neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire and repair itself after injury — by increasing oxygen levels in injured tissues and stimulating metabolic recovery in brain cells. Studies in adults with chronic post-concussion symptoms have shown improvements in cognitive function and quality of life following HBOT, along with changes in brain imaging markers. PubMed Central+1
✔ Potential Reduction in Post-Concussion Symptoms
Some research suggests that HBOT can help with persistent symptoms like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and balance issues in people with chronic mTBI, especially when treatments are repeated over time. Concussion Alliance
How HBOT Works in Concussion Recovery
Although more research is needed to fully understand who benefits most and how many sessions are optimal, scientists propose several mechanisms by which HBOT may support healing:
Enhanced oxygen delivery to injured tissue — boosting cellular metabolism and recovery. cognitivefxusa.com
Increased blood flow and angiogenesis — formation of new blood vessels to support long-term healing. chicagoneuro.com
Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress — helping to calm ongoing brain irritation and support repair. chicagoneuro.com
Stimulation of neural repair and connectivity — supporting cognitive recovery and improved function. chicagoneuro.com
Important Notes and Next Steps
📌 HBOT is not an FDA-cleared standard treatment for concussions or post-concussion syndrome, and clinical evidence is still evolving. Military Health System
📌 Results from studies have been mixed — some show strong benefits, while others show similar improvements in control groups or suggest benefits fade over time without continued therapy. ScienceDirect+1
📌 Always work with a qualified medical professional to determine whether HBOT could be safe and appropriate based on individual health history, symptoms, and recovery goals.
Takeaway
Concussions can have lasting effects on the brain, especially when symptoms persist. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a promising, research-backed approach to support brain healing — especially for persistent post-concussion syndrome in children and adults — by increasing oxygen delivery, promoting neuroplasticity, and potentially improving cognitive and behavioral functions. While HBOT is not yet a universal standard of care, emerging studies suggest it may be a helpful part of an individualized recovery plan. PubMed