Relief might be in sight for brain trauma patients through a hyperbaric chamber. Some patients reported feeling relief in brain traumasymptoms after breathing pure oxygen in the pressurized chambers, according to a report at marinecorpstimes.com.
One Iraq veteran suffered head injuries in 2006 from a roadside bomb. She experienced headaches, memory loss and facial paralysis. After undergoing treatment with the hyperbaric chamber, the veteran says the headaches have faded and so has her facial paralysis. Doctors call the treatment HBOT, and they say it can treat brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Pentagon, however, wants more proof and results before it will endorse HBOT for injured soldiers. HBOT has long been used to treat other conditions such as the bends, soft tissue injuries, acute burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. Although not officially recommended for treating head injuries, the results are encouraging for patients.
Currently, the Defense Department is funding two studies looking into HBOT for head injuries. The studies are yet to produce results for review. Some sufferers want the government to act quicker because they feel HBOT works. One mother said HBOT has improved her son’s condition and that the Defense Department should endorse it for all injured veterans.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyers