Example of a head trauma treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
In 2009, Dr. Paul Harch (USA) published an interesting case study in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used to treat head trauma in a former soldier.
Former soldier killed in multiple explosions
First, here is a presentation of the patient concerned by this scientific article:
He is a former military man, aged 25 at the time of publication, who was part of the United States Marine Corps.
Three years before consulting Dr. Harch, this young man had suffered multiple head traumas from explosions in combat. After each incident, the young man suffered a loss of consciousness (or was close to losing consciousness). In addition, shortly after the explosions, he also suffered from amnesia and confusion...
Diagnosis and symptoms before starting hyperbaric oxygen therapy
When he first consulted Dr. Harch, the medical profession diagnosed him with:
- Head trauma / Post-concussion syndrome
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
Moreover, before starting therapy, the patient made 2 lists.
The first one brings together the 6 major problems which are classified, in order of importance, by the young man:
- Constant headaches with intermittent confusion, irritability, tunnel vision and dizziness
- Tinnitus in both ears
- Sleep disturbance
- Blurred vision in left eye
- Irritability
- Depression, social withdrawal
The second list lists 7 symptoms considered "additional":
- Fatigue
- Decreased hearing
- Imbalance
- Cognitive problems (memory, attention, decreased speed of thought)
- Back pain
- Pain in both knees
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (intrusive thoughts, fighting thoughts, nightmares, tachycardia)
Results after 26 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
After following the therapy for 26 days using a hyperbaric chamber, here are the improvements observed and noted in this scientific publication:
- Improvement in 4 of the 6 main problems. That is to say the headaches, which definitely disappeared after the 1st session, but also the sleep disturbance, irritability and depression, which improved from the 12th session.
- Improvement of 4 of the 7 "additional" symptoms. That is to say fatigue, balance problems, cognitive problems. Moreover, post-traumatic stress disorders have definitively disappeared after the 25th session.
In addition to all these improvements, reported by the patient, 2 SPECT brain images were performed. Before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Conclusion of this case study
In conclusion, this patient experienced a marked and permanent improvement in his post-concussion symptoms, physical examination results and cerebral blood flow. In addition, he experienced a complete resolution of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Thus, after treatment, the young soldier was even able to return to duty.
How does a session in a hyperbaric chamber take place?
Below, I offer you a short video to show you concretely the progress of a session (which is also called " diving ") in a hyperbaric chamber. Subtitles are available for the hearing impaired.