What Researchers Did
Researchers studied if combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and systematic auditory stimulation (SAS) with standard care could help comatose patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) recover consciousness faster.
What They Found
Patients receiving HBOT at 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 60 minutes per session, five sessions per week for four weeks, plus SAS, showed significantly better consciousness scores by Day 28. For example, their average Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score improved to 12.1 compared to 9.3 in the control group, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores improved to 11.3 versus 9.1 (all p < 0.001).
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Severe traumatic brain injury and coma are not Health Canada-recognized indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This single study's findings may not apply to all patients with severe traumatic brain injury due to variations in patient characteristics or treatment protocols.