I’m not a football player (by a long shot) or a soldier. But, I’ve certainly had my share of concussions. (I still have the gnarly bumps on my noggin from several of them.) No. Actually, I’ve had more than enough concussions- no one needs a share of this trauma. But, some 1.7 million folks are diagnosed with concussions each year.
Thankfully, I’ve recovered from my concussions. Or, maybe I haven’t- and that explains an awful lot about me.
The problem is that we really don’t know much about concussive recovery. (The regimen normally involves being told the following: Take it easy. Don’t subject yourself to bright lights or loud noises.)
And, now treating concussions has become a big business. Because, you see, concussions are also known as mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). And, TBI has become a big business because of the plethora of sports and military injuries.
Interstingly, there is data that demonstrates that blood flow to the head is diminished after a concussion. And, it may persist, even some 30 days post trauma. That result was found in about 1/3 of the kids (11 to 15 y of age)- but it was a very small study of just 12 kids at the Children Hospital (Cincinnati), so it may be an anomaly.
Even so, it’s not surprising that someone would try to use hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a method to treat concussions. The problem is that there have been three major clinical studies- running a tab of some $ 70 million- that have produced no conclusive results. (Each test provided different outcomes.)
The biggest proponent of hyperbaric oxygen is Dr. Paul Harch, who has his own clinic and serves as director of Louisiana State University’s (LSU) hyperbaric oxygen program. He has convinced Louisiana to effect a few studies. He’s even written a book (along with Virginia McCollough): “The Oxygen Revolution”.
That is my problem. In that book- stocked with pretty much just anecdotal evidence- he purports that hyperbaric oxygen is the answer for autism, Alzheimer’s and concussions, among others. I admit that there could be merit- but scientific data is what I (and others) seek when discerning potential medical therapies.
The hyperbaric therapy regime proposed is pretty intense- five times a week over 60 days. The costs are not cheap- ranging from $ 5K to $ 12K. And, the results seem to be psychological and not physical. Balanced studies (ones with a control group) involved all subjects placed in a hyperbaric chamber, but only half getting oxygen, the rest get plain old room air (roughly 20% oxygen). The problem is that both groups reported similar results after the test was complete.
So, would you jump into a diving bell if you had a concussion?
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Oxygen therapies have been proven to be very effective in regulating breathing problems. Research also shows that it also cleanses the internal organs function and gives healthy skin.
I would love to see clinical studies that demonstrate those organ function changes, Tom. Because I am fairly certain they are NOT clinical, but anecdotal- and, therefore, of questionable value.
It is very crucial for premature kids to have some medical equipment like oxygen tanks for their breathing. Great story.
I have the same concerns too when i think about it. But I’ve come to trust my doctor. Glad the procedure went well.
A good way to better your blood circulation is having clear air enter your lungs from time to time. It wouldn’t hurt to try some oxygen therapies.
Glad you trust your doctor. And, oxygen can be very useful- as long as it’s under the control of a qualified physician.