What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might sound complicated, but the idea is pretty simple. In HBOT, a person lies in a chamber where they breathe in pure oxygen at a pressure higher than the normal air around us. You might compare it to being in a deep-sea diving chamber, where the pressure is much greater than at the surface. This extra oxygen under pressure can help the body repair itself and encourage the brain to make new, healthy connections—a process known as neuroplasticity.
A Recent Study— Here’s How It Works
A group of scientists, including Keren Doenyas-Barak and her team, wanted to see if HBOT could help veterans who had been hurt by combat-related PTSD. In their study, they invited male veterans between the ages of 25 and 60 who had serious PTSD symptoms. These brave men were randomly split into two groups:
HBOT Group: These veterans received the real treatment. They spent 90 minutes in a pressurized chamber breathing 100% oxygen at a pressure of 2 atmospheres absolute (about twice the normal air pressure). They did this every day for 60 sessions, with short breaks during each session.
Sham Group: This group went through a similar routine, but instead of getting the high-pressure oxygen treatment, they received a treatment that mimicked HBOT. This is called a “sham” treatment and is used so researchers can compare the treatment results to be sure that any changes in symptoms are as a result of the real therapy.
What Did the Scientists Find?
The results were life changing for the HBOT group. Before starting the treatment, the veterans’ PTSD symptoms were measured using a tool called the CAPS-5 scale. After completing the sessions, the HBOT group showed a significant decrease in their scores, meaning their PTSD improved. Specifically, they experienced fewer and less intense PTSD symptoms. In contrast, the veterans in the sham group did not see improvements; in fact, some of their symptoms even got a bit worse.
But that’s not all—the researchers also used a special kind of brain scan called resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). These scans can show how different parts of the brain communicate with each other. The veterans who received HBOT showed improved connectivity in important brain networks. Think of these networks as roads connecting different parts of the brain. When the roads are clear and well-maintained, messages travel faster and more efficiently. This improved connectivity helps explain why HBOT led to better mental health outcomes.
Why Is This Important?
This study is exciting because it shows that HBOT is a new way to help heal the minds of veterans who have suffered from the traumatic experiences of combat. By using extra oxygen under pressure to support the brain’s natural healing process, HBOT offers relief to those who have struggled with PTSD for years. Although this one study only involved a specific group of veterans, the results mimic other studies that have shown positive results for HBOT as a treatment for PTSD and perhaps other brain-related conditions, so these veterans who served their country can return to their work and family lives.
Additional Insights for Veterans with TBI
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been shown by numerous studies to help improve the effects of traumatic brain injury. Thus, veterans who have also experienced TBI can also receive benefits from HBOT. Here are some of the benefits identified from recent research:
Increased oxygen delivery to the brain: Oxygen is a key ingredient in healing from TBI. HBOT significantly increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in blood plasma and tissues, which feeds oxygen-deprived brain tissues and creates new brain cells.
Reduced inflammation: HBOT is known to significantly reduce inflammation in the body. Some studies also show that HBOT may decrease neuroinflammation, which is a key component of secondary brain injury after concussion/TBI.
Enhanced mitochondrial function: Research studies show that HBOT can improve cellular energy production in damaged neurons.
Stimulation of angiogenesis: Hyperbarics promotes the formation of new blood vessels throughout the body, including damaged brain regions.
Neuroplasticity support: A good deal of research suggests that HBOT can help the brain form new neuronal connections, which is known as neuroplasticity.
Reduced oxidative stress: While seemingly paradoxical (given the increased oxygen), some research suggests HBOT may ultimately reduce harmful oxidative stress, which would otherwise cause cell and tissue damage, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases and accelerated aging.
Overall, HBOT is an amazing treatment that helps alleviate symptoms such as headaches, PTSD, cognitive difficulties, and emotional disregulation.
Looking Ahead
While more research is needed to confirm these results and understand how HBOT works in the brain, this study gives hope. It shows that sometimes, even simple ideas—like using extra oxygen under pressure—can have a powerful impact on our health. For curious minds, this research is a reminder that exploring new treatments can lead to discoveries that change lives.
In the future, treatments like HBOT might help more people overcome the invisible wounds of trauma. And who knows? It could be that a simple activity—just breathing extra oxygen under pressure—could make a huge difference in healing the brain.
Special Treatment for Veterans at Bay Area Hyperbarics
For veterans with PTSD, Bay Area Hyperbarics recognized the sacrifice they have made, and is offering a 23% discount over our standard treatment prices. Give us a call today to see how we can help you or a loved-one improve your life. 3
Reference: Doenyas-Barak K, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans With Combat-Associated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial.” J Clin Psychiatry. 2024; PMID: 39566051.
