Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury
How Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy May Support Brain Recovery
A concussion can feel like more than “just a bump to the head.” Many people notice lingering effects like headaches, sleep disruption, brain fog, mood changes, or sensitivity to light and noise. For some, symptoms fade quickly. For others, recovery can take longer and feels frustratingly inconsistent.
Because the brain is one of the most oxygen-demanding organs in the body, researchers have explored whether increasing oxygen availability could support recovery after concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, often called mHBOT, is one approach people are increasingly curious about as part of a broader recovery plan.
mHBOT is not a replacement for medical evaluation, rehabilitation, or concussion care. It is best viewed as a supportive wellness tool that may complement other therapies.
What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves resting inside a gently pressurized chamber, commonly around 1.3 ATA. The increased pressure can help oxygen dissolve more readily into plasma and other body fluids, improving oxygen delivery beyond what normal circulation can provide.
In plain terms, mHBOT aims to create a more oxygen-rich environment for tissues, including the brain.
Why Oxygen Support Matters After Brain Injury
After concussion or TBI, the brain can experience a cascade of challenges that may include:
Changes in blood flow and oxygen use
Ongoing inflammation and oxidative stress
Disrupted sleep and autonomic regulation
Slower cellular energy production
Supporting oxygen availability is one reason hyperbaric therapy has been studied in brain injury recovery. Researchers have explored whether this environment can help the brain “reboot” certain functions, especially when symptoms linger.
Potential Ways mHBOT May Support Concussion and TBI Recovery
1. Supporting Brain Energy and Cellular Repair
Brain tissue depends heavily on oxygen to produce energy. Hyperbaric oxygen exposure has been studied for its effects on cellular metabolism and recovery pathways in the brain. Some studies report improvements in cognitive performance and symptom burden in people with persistent symptoms after brain injury.
2. Promoting Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections and re-route function. This is a key concept in concussion rehab. Hyperbaric oxygen has been studied for its relationship to neuroplasticity and functional improvements in some TBI populations.
3. Helping Balance Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal part of healing, but prolonged neuroinflammation can contribute to lingering symptoms. Research on hyperbaric oxygen includes inflammation-related mechanisms that may support recovery.
4. Supporting Sleep, Mood, and Quality of Life
Many people recovering from concussions struggle with sleep quality, irritability, anxiety, or low mood. Some clinical studies and analyses include quality-of-life outcomes and neurobehavioral symptom scales as endpoints.
Why At-Home Sessions Matter for Consistency
When people choose mHBOT for wellness support, consistency often matters more than a one-off session. In-home rentals remove the barrier of daily driving and scheduling, which can make it easier to complete a structured protocol alongside other recovery habits like hydration, sleep hygiene, physical therapy, and cognitive rest.
Final Note
If you have concussion symptoms, especially new or worsening symptoms, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional. If you are already under care and looking for supportive tools, mHBOT is a non-invasive option many families explore to support brain wellness, recovery routines, and resilience.
References
Weaver, L. K., Ziemnik, R., Deru, K., & Russo, A. A. (2025). A double-blind randomized trial of hyperbaric oxygen for persistent symptoms after brain injury. Scientific Reports.
Shahid, S. (2025). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for neurocognitive deficits following traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Medicine and Surgery.
Harch, P. G. (2022). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficacy in mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome: systematic review and dose analysis. Frontiers in Neurology.
Cifu, D. X., et al. (2014). The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on persistent postconcussion symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
Miller, R. S., et al. (2015). Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on symptoms and quality of life among service members with persistent postconcussion symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine.
U.S. Department of Defense. (2025). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Traumatic Brain Injury: Information paper (evidence current as of March 2025).