Exploring the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussion
Breathing new life into concussion recovery
A concussion is more than a bump on the head; it’s a disruption to the brain’s normal function. Whether caused by a fall, a car accident, sports-related head trauma, or a violent injury, it can leave lasting effects. Even after the initial injury has healed, symptoms may linger, interfering with daily life for weeks or even months.
One treatment that’s gaining attention for its ability to support recovery is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). But how does it work? And is it right for you or a loved one recovering from a concussion?
Join us as we uncover the potential benefits of HBOT for concussion recovery and how it may help bring lasting relief when other treatments fall short.
Understanding concussions and their long-term impact
A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. It temporarily affects how the brain works and may cause a brief loss of consciousness or memory of the incident.
Common symptoms can include:
- Head pain
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Personality changes
- Generalized aches and pains
- Decreased appetite
While many people recover within a few weeks, others experience symptoms that last much longer—a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. In cases where a person suffers multiple concussions, the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) increases. CTE is a serious condition that can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain, emotional instability, personality changes, and difficulty managing everyday activities. [1]
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, allowing it to reach areas of the brain that may not be healing properly after injury.
In the case of a concussion, HBOT may help by:
- Restoring blood flow to damaged tissue
- Supporting new blood vessel growth
- Boosting cellular energy and repair
These benefits can help promote overall brain healing and symptom relief for people recovering from head trauma.
Related resource:
The powerful benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for TBI warriors
Real-world recovery in athletes
Athletes at both the collegiate and professional levels have shared compelling stories of healing through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT):
Research shows that individuals who sustain a concussion are at significantly higher risk for future concussions, especially those with a history of multiple injuries. One study analyzing 4,251 player seasons found that athletes with three or more prior concussions were three times more likely to suffer another compared to those with no history. This increased vulnerability helps explain why many athletes seek long-term recovery solutions like HBOT. [2]
Caroline Ducharme (University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball)
Caroline Ducharme, a standout guard for UConn’s women’s basketball team, suffered at least eight concussions over two years. After stepping away from basketball due to worsening symptoms like migraines and memory loss, she completed a 12-week program that included hyperbaric oxygen therapy paired with cognitive and physical rehabilitation. The results were life-changing—she returned to play over a year later and helped lead her team to a national championship. [3]
Joe Namath (NFL Legend)
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath suffered multiple concussions and, decades later, had concerning SPECT brain scans showing poor blood flow. He pursued a structured HBOT protocol, consisting of 40 sessions followed by an additional 80 sessions, spread over several months, with sessions held five days a week, each lasting one hour. Follow‑up SPECT scans revealed dramatically improved, symmetrical brain perfusion, and Namath experienced tangible improvements in memory, mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall cognitive function—results that persisted a year later. [4]
These stories reflect how HBOT may offer a promising path forward for athletes dealing with persistent post-concussion symptoms, helping them regain not only their performance but also their quality of life.
What does the research say?
While studies on HBOT for concussion recovery are still developing, there’s growing evidence that it can help people who continue to struggle with symptoms months after their injury.
A 2022 review published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology looked at 11 clinical studies on people with persistent post-concussion syndrome. It found that those who received 40 sessions of HBOT at a pressure of 1.5 ATA (a common therapeutic level) experienced real improvements in both symptoms and brain function, like better memory, focus, and mood. [5]
The review also showed that treatment results were best when the pressure was in a moderate range—too low or too high wasn’t as effective. Interestingly, people with both concussion symptoms and PTSD often saw even greater benefits from HBOT.
Other research supports these findings, showing that HBOT can help improve blood flow in the brain and support healing in areas that aren’t getting enough oxygen, especially for people who’ve had symptoms for three months or longer.
Learn more:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Health: How does it work?
What to expect during treatment
A typical HBOT session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably in a specialized chamber while breathing pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. Most concussion treatment plans recommend 20 to 40 sessions, done daily or several times per week.
HBOT is noninvasive and generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild ear pressure or fatigue after treatment, but serious side effects are rare. Before starting, your provider will evaluate whether HBOT is safe for your specific health conditions.
A hopeful option for lasting recovery
For many people struggling with post-concussion symptoms, HBOT offers a new avenue for hope and healing. Improving oxygen delivery to injured brain tissue helps the body do what it’s designed to do: recover.
Whether you’re an athlete, a student, or someone simply trying to feel like yourself again, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussion may be worth considering as part of your recovery journey.
If you or a loved one is looking to heal better and faster from a concussion, we hope to see you soon! Our trained, caring team of hyperbaric specialists is ready to answer any questions you may have before your treatments! We welcome you to contact us today.
1: VeryWell Health
2: PubMed
3: CT Insider
4: Stem Cells Philadelphia
5: National Library of Medicine
