In this review, I share my experience with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment for brain injury. While HBOT is often praised for its ability to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing, my personal experience wasn’t as successful. I discuss how HBOT may benefit some individuals but explain why it didn’t work for my mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS). I also provide insights into when HBOT may or may not be effective based on the type of injury.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is based on my personal experience and research regarding brain injury and recovery. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment.
As I continue my search for effective treatments for my brain injury, I’ve explored a variety of therapies, including craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, evaluations at the Amen Clinic, and neuro physical therapy. One treatment modality I decided to try was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. HBOT aims to increase oxygen levels in the blood and brain tissues, stimulating healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue repair. The goal is to enhance oxygen delivery to damaged areas of the brain, promoting neuroplasticity and accelerating overall recovery.
Here’s an overview of my experience with HBOT and what I learned throughout the process.
My Experience with HBOT: A Bumpy Start and a Thoughtful Reassessment
I first attempted HBOT early in my healing journey. At that time, I was still in the throes of intense symptoms and eager to try anything that might help. Unfortunately, it was too much, too soon. The therapy caused an immediate flare-up of my symptoms—worsening the very issues I was hoping to heal, almost as quickly as it takes to snap your fingers. I quickly had to stop and reassess whether this modality was right for me.
However, 11 months later, I decided to try HBOT again, hoping for a different result. This time, I was more educated on the potential benefits and risks. There are several reasons why HBOT is considered beneficial, including:
Promotes Healing of Wounds
Improves Brain Function
Treats Diving Injuries
Boosts Oxygen in Cells for Repair
Reduces Symptoms of Chronic Illnesses
Reduces Inflammation in the Body
While the therapy is often touted as a “miracle” treatment, I quickly realized that not all therapies are universally effective, especially when it comes to brain injuries.
What I Learned About HBOT
Although HBOT is widely regarded as a powerful tool for tissue repair and reducing inflammation, it didn’t work as expected for me. I have learned that healing from brain injury is not linear, and what works for one person may not work for another. In fact, depending on the nature of the brain injury, HBOT may not always provide the desired results. I’ve also come to understand that the brain’s oxygen needs are complex. As Cognitive FX explains, brain injuries can disrupt the delivery of oxygen to specific areas, and simply flooding the brain with extra oxygen may not always be beneficial.
For those with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or post-concussion syndrome (PCS), the results are less predictable. Some experts suggest that the therapy may benefit acute or severe brain injuries, but it’s less clear whether it offers advantages for mild TBI or PCS. The brain uses a system known as neurovascular coupling to direct oxygen to the areas that need it most. Since HBOT provides an excess of oxygen uniformly, it may not address the specific issues caused by brain injuries like mine, where oxygen flow is already irregular.
The Decision to Stop HBOT
Despite my initial optimism, I was ultimately advised to stop HBOT based on the recommendations of my neuro-physical therapist and doctor. The decision to stop wasn’t an easy one, but I’ve come to accept that healing from brain injury requires a highly individualized approach. I have learned the importance of paying attention to my body’s response to each treatment, particularly when symptoms worsen. As I’ve heard from my healthcare providers, “if symptoms worsen, stop”—a lesson I am still internalizing, especially when it comes to pushing through discomfort.
The clinic I went to was a wellness facility that did not have a true doctor on staff, but they consulted one online. There definitely could be better places with higher medical training, but over time, I’ve learned that an MD isn’t necessarily superior when it comes to treatments for brain injuries, except for diagnosing for insurance purposes. In hindsight, I realize that the risks were simply not worth it. I tried HBOT twice. The first session was immediately after the injury, and the experience was excruciating—my head pain became much more severe. The second time, we invested in a 40-session plan, but I only made it through 18 sessions before my injury occurred. I was never able to get the treatments in the preferred atmosphere until the final three sessions, which, ironically, is when the injury happened. I walked away from the experience with a barotrauma injury in my ear, which added even more discomfort and complications to my already fragile condition. Thankfully, we fought them on the payment and received a refund for the remaining sessions, but it was a long, drawn-out battle. They couldn't pay us back in full, so we ended up receiving refunds in monthly installments over the course of four months. Overall, it was a frustrating and unpleasant experience.
Final Thoughts: Is HBOT Worth Trying for Brain Injury?
Although my personal experience with HBOT wasn’t successful, I believe it is still a valuable therapy for some, particularly for conditions involving wound healing, inflammation, or other factors. If your doctor recommends it and you’re willing to give it a try, it could be worth exploring—but I would advise monitoring your symptoms closely and stopping if you experience any worsening of your condition.
HBOT might not be the answer for everyone, especially for those with mTBI or PCS. As I continue my healing journey, I remain open to trying new therapies, but I’ve learned that healing is a process of trial and error. Each modality brings new insights, and even when things don’t work out, I gain a better understanding of what might help.
If you're considering HBOT for mTBI or PCS, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. It's important to have a clear understanding of how your body may respond and whether it's the right therapy for your specific condition.
Review Recap:
While HBOT has proven to be beneficial for some conditions, its effectiveness for mTBI and PCS remains unclear. For me, it didn’t yield the results I hoped for, and I ultimately had to stop. However, I still believe it has value for other types of injuries and conditions, and it’s worth considering under the right circumstances.
All my light. All my love.
Namaste,
Jordan
P.S - As part of my recovery from brain injury, I’ve been documenting my journey through video reviews of the various healing modalities I’ve tried. From supplements and therapies to advanced treatments like SPECT scans and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, I’ve recorded the highs and lows of each experience, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what I learned along the way. These videos offer an honest, in-depth look at my personal journey toward healing and may help others navigating similar challenges. Stay tuned for more insights into the different approaches I’ve explored in my ongoing quest for recovery.
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