Cohort Study BMJ Open 2018

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on chronic neurocognitive deficits of post-traumatic brain injury patients: retrospective analysis

Hadanny A, Abbott S, Suzin G, Bechor Y, Efrati S — BMJ Open, 2018

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers retrospectively analyzed 154 patients with chronic cognitive deficits from traumatic brain injury (TBI) of all severities who underwent HBOT and pre- and post-treatment cognitive testing and brain SPECT imaging.

What They Found

All cognitive domains showed significant improvement after HBOT, with a mean global cognitive score improvement of 4.6 points (p < 0.00001). Memory and attention showed the most dramatic gains. Brain SPECT imaging showed increased metabolic activity in the prefrontal, temporal, and anterior cingulate regions.

What This Means for Canadian Patients

TBI is a leading cause of disability in Canada, affecting athletes, veterans, and accident victims. This large cohort study -- 154 patients -- shows significant cognitive improvement even years after injury, with objective brain imaging changes confirming that HBOT can reactivate dormant brain tissue, not just reduce symptoms.

Canadian Relevance

No direct Canadian connection identified.

Study Limitations

This was a retrospective cohort study with no control group; the improvement may partly reflect natural recovery over time, and selection bias is possible in patients who chose to pursue HBOT.

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Study Details

Study Type	Cohort Study
Category	Neurological
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	30269074
Year Published	2018
Journal	BMJ Open
MeSH Terms	Adult; Brain; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Cognition Disorders; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Male; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.