Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQ
by Jessica Cleveland
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always speak with a licensed medical professional before seeking treatment.
An audio file has been provided below for anyone that prefers to listen to the audio version of this blog entry.
Note: I have had sessions in both of the HBOT chambers pictured above. Please keep in mind that there are lot of different types of HBOT chambers out there, so do not be surprised if you see a lot of different looking chambers as you do your research.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy consists of breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. You breath pure oxygen while sitting inside a chamber that is pressurized to a level that has been determined by your licensed medical professional.
What are the potential benefits of HBOT for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivors?
It is important to note that HBOT is still considered an experimental treatment for TBI. The FDA has not approved HBOT as an official treatment for TBI yet. However, there is extensive research that indicates HBOT can have the following benefits for TBI survivors:
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma. Plasma brings oxygen to places in the body that our blood cannot penetrate (like the damaged areas in the brain). This oxygen helps to promote healing in the brain.
The increased levels of oxygen that the brain receives through HBOT can help to increase neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections following an injury like TBI.
HBOT also helps to decrease inflammation in the body which can help to decrease pain, decrease TBI symptoms, and boost the immune system.
What is HBOT like?
HBOT is like sitting inside a tiny airplane. It is really loud like an airplane, and you will feel the pressure changes in your ears like you do when you take off. Other than that, it just feels like you are sitting inside a chamber with an oxygen mask on. I have never felt pain or discomfort during HBOT. For me, it is a pleasant experience, an escape from my day. My healthcare provider allows me to bring in an iPod to listen to music, audiobooks, and watch movies during my sessions. You can also bring in a book if you would like. Most of the time I will just sleep during my sessions.
What if I don’t like small spaces?
This is a question that I get a lot. I am actually pretty claustrophobic. I don’t like being in small confined spaces. However, there is something about the oxygen blowing on my face that keeps me from feeling overly constrained in the chamber. I have been getting HBOT for a few years now and have never really struggled with claustrophobia while in the chamber.
My recommendation for anyone that struggles with claustrophobia would be to give HBOT a try. Start with a 15-30 minute session and just see how you do. Before your session, ask your doctor how you can get their attention if you need to stop the session early. My doctor has a little button/bell in the chamber that I can ring if I need her. I don’t think I have ever used this button, but it is nice to know it is there.
How do I find/get HBOT?
Getting access to HBOT can be a little tricky. Most large medical organizations will not allow you to access their HBOT services because it is not an FDA-approved treatment for TBI, concussion, or post-concussion syndrome. Your best bet is to find a private licensed medical facility that offers HBOT services. I will admit that these facilities can be hard to find. I am in the process of trying to put together a database of known private clinics that offer HBOT services. It is unlikely that your insurance will cover HBOT to treat TBI, concussion, or post-concussion since it is considered to be an experimental treatment by the FDA.
The provider that I go to is:
Hope ND in Milford, NH with Dr. Bonfanti. She is a wonderful Naturopathic doctor that I highly recommend.
Her contact information can be found on her website: https://www.hopendnh.com
If you are currently receiving HBOT, would you please put your HBOT provider contact information in the comments below?
This information might be helpful to anyone looking for HBOT services in your area. Thank you so much!
Other Informational Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5110132/
https://www.brainline.org/treatment-hub/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hbot
https://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/fulltext/2017/05000/is_hyperbaric_oxygen_therapy_effective_for.10.aspx
If you have more questions about HBOT that I haven’t answered in this FAQ, please put them in the comments and I will answer them in a future post. Thank you!
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:
Jessica Cleveland is not, nor is she holding herself out to be, a doctor/physician, nurse, physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse, or any other medical professional ("Medical Provider"), psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker ("Mental Health Provider"), registered dietician or licensed nutritionist, or member of the clergy. As a TBI Recovery Institute coach, Jessica Cleveland is not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided on this website or within any services provided by the TBI Recovery Institute is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific situation before implementing any recommendations or suggestions from our Website or services. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of the information you have read on this Website. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical or mental health problem, contact your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider promptly. The information contained on this Website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
