TBI & PTSD Hyperbaric Therapy
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any type of injury to the brain that has lasting side effects. Unfortunately, it is common for inflammation within the brain to become chronic.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event,and the aftermath left within the brain afterward. While PTSD can affect any age,gender,and health status, military combat veterans and first-responders are often commonly associated with this condition.
PTSD
The effects of PTSD can cause physiological damage to the brain that is visible on SPECT and other brain scans. This can be attributed to the brain losing its abilty to regulate stress hormones such as cortisol, and the resulting inflammation. The extreme production of hor-mones and other chemicals creates emotional responses outside of the patient's control as well as neuroinflammation.
Case control study: Low pressure hyperbar-ic oxygen therapy and SPECT brain imaging in the treatment ofblast induced chronic traumatic brain injury
Paul G Harch, Susan R Andrews, Edward F Fogarty,Juliette Lucarini, Keith W Van Meter Published 2017 Oct 17
Abstract: A 25-year-old male military veteran presented with diagnoses of post concussion syndrome and post traumatic stress disorder three years after loss of consciousness from an explo-sion in combat. The patient underwent single photon emission computed tomography brain blood flow imaging before and after a block of thirty-nine 1.5 atmospheres absolute hyperbaric oxygen treatments...
Conclusion:Thirty-nine low pressure HBOT's caused a reduction in symptoms and signs of chronic mild-moderate blast-induced TBI/PCS and
PTSD.The resolution of symptoms and signs of TBI/PCS and PTSD were reflected in global and focal improvements in brain blood flow imaging,
suggesting a novel treatment for these combined diagnoses.
TBI
When the brain swells, pressure builds on and around the blood vessels, compromising the blood flow through injured areas.The result is decreased oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. Depending on where this occurs within the brain, the patient may experience a partial or complete loss of mobility or cognition. TBI patients often struggle with uncontrollable emotional responses,memory loss, and confusion.
