Has anyone tried HBOT for concussion? What has your experience been?
 

I had a concussion about 2 months ago and am suffering from PCS with minimal improvement so far. 2nd ever concussion, no loss of consciousness but since them I'm experiencing brain Fog, trouble focusing, can't sleep, feel disconnected, unable to socialize, can barely do chores/work, constant nausea. Stopped dating the girl I was really into because I just don't feel like myself. Hard to explain. I was high functioning before this so it's been devastating to my life.

Thinking of investing in HBOT to try to speed along my recovery. Has anyone had experience with this treatment before?

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zizar3,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Before pouring thousands into HBOT, what other things have you tried to help you recover?

HBOT requires 40 to 60 dives (treatments) to show benefit. Many do not benefit. It is an expensive gamble.

Tell us more about your concussion and what diagnostics and treatments/therapies you have had.

Are you prone to anxiety and/or depression? Is your daily life stressful?

What is you daily environment like? Loud noises, lots of voices, music blaring, congested traffic, hectic work environment,

Do you consume a lot of caffeine or stimulating substances ? Red Bull, Monster, etc?

Take a look at my Concussion Protocol: Drew's Concussion Protocol - Rest, Reduce Inflammation, Gradual Exposure, Neurogenesis

I rented a soft hyperbaric unit a few years back. It made my symptoms worse in the short term that came back to baseline relatively quickly.

There is lots of research on it.

On amazon or elsewhere the book called "The Oxygen Revolution" written by a world's leading researcher, Dr. Paul Harch, was helpful for me.

Some have great success with it. It is relatively expensive though. Things to weigh out.

Zizar,

What have you done for treatments, therapies?

Brain fog for me is generally indicative of inflammation and/or oxidation. A clean diet is helpful along with added supplements.

Fish oil is tremendous for decreasing brain inflammation and regenerating. Not a cure all but nice to have. Check out Mark's post pinned at the top of this group:
"Vitamin and Supplements Regimen"

Dr. Michael Lewis has this omega 3/fish oil protocol:

The Omega-3 Protocol for Brain Health – Brain Health Education and Research Institute

Your nausea may be related to vestibular system injury. It may be helpful to get help from a physical therapist trained in vestibular system rehabilitation.

I just started PT for my neck. That's helping with nausea.

I've tried 20+ supplements. B complexes, choline, Lion's Mane, Bacopa, Curcumin... basically anything remotely related to brain health. I think I'm just going to focus on anti-inflammatory type supplements.

I'm depressed, I'm fatigued, I'm increasingly emotional--crying spells out of nowhere.

Just started with the Vielight, a photobiomodulation device that they say helps with TBI. Very expensive. Not sure about results so far.

Tried hard shell HBOT but not sure if that's worth it. I think I did feel better on the days I'd do it.

I'm feeling despondent, tired, uninterested. It's very very difficult. Not my norm.

You mentioned depression and fatigue. Try to treat the underlying causes. Emerging research suggests that Gut Microbiome imbalances contribute to depression because of inflammation. Look for a doctor who understands gut health and get tested so they can formulate a plan.

And go easy on the supplements. They won't cure you condition.

Has anyone tried HBOT for concussion? What has your experience been?
 

(Continuing my previous post- )

Take a look at this book. It talks about depression and fatigue and how to overcome it and give the body the conditions it needs to heal.

It Takes Guts To Be Happy: A 21-Day Cleansing Plan to Heal Your Belly & Recharge Your Life https://a.co/6Q6t7WT

Zizar,

The emotions you are feeling are common amongst people who have had brain injury. It is traumatic to the brain and body as well as the psyche. The majority of experiences that I have had post injuries have been unfamiliar and unimaginable. Many of these experiences have been incredibly positive and have countered the weight of all the sufferings. There is potential to feel "good" and even "great" again. It does take work at all levels of your being.

Allowing yourself to feel these unpleasant emotions and not trying to suppress them may be helpful for you. The fastest way to get the river flowing is not by clogging it up if that makes sense.

I bought a cheap version of a vie light. It was marginally beneficial to me. I personally find more benefit from a direct-to-skull infrared light. There are cheap ones available ($30-50) with impressive results.

Brain injury is overwhelming. If you can simplify things, including supplements like you mentioned cutting back to anti inflammatory, it is easier to live. DrewDigital mentioned looking into healing the gut - I second this. Huge factor.

Take care,
-J.