What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on persistent postconcussion symptoms in 60 military service members with combat-related mild traumatic brain injury.
What They Found
The study found no significant differences in postconcussion symptoms or posttraumatic stress disorder scores between groups receiving hyperbaric oxygen at 1.5 or 2.0 ATA equivalent and a sham control group. Participants received 40 daily hyperbaric chamber compressions over 10 weeks, but neither the 75% nor 100% oxygen fractions showed a significant main effect compared to the 10.5% oxygen fraction.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing persistent postconcussion symptoms, this study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be an effective treatment option. Patients should discuss evidence-based therapies with their healthcare providers to manage their symptoms.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in the United States and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study was conducted at a single center with a specific military population, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other patient groups.