Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Shows Promise for Treating Acute Concussions

Concussions, also called mild traumatic brain injuries, affect millions of Americans every year, and youth athletes remain at particularly high risk. Traditionally, the standard of care has involved a period of rest, followed by a gradual return to activity. However, new research involving hyperbaric oxygen therapy is now challenging whether rest alone truly helps the brain heal.

A 2025 study published in the journal Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine by Dr. Daphne Denham and colleagues sheds new light on an old yet innovative treatment: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

These findings have the potential to transform how concussions are managed, especially for student athletes.

What the Study Found

The research team evaluated 11 student athletes (average age: 16) who had sustained a concussion within 10 days of injury. To begin, each underwent an FDA-cleared EEG-based brain biomarker (EEGBB) test, which uses artificial intelligence to measure brain function and confirm concussion objectively.

• Median baseline concussion score: 18 (very low, showing significant injury)

• HBOT regimen: 1.5–2.0 ATA oxygen sessions, typically twice daily, 70 minutes each

• Number of treatments needed: median of 3 sessions (range: 2–8) over about 2 days

Results:

• First post-treatment scores jumped to a median of 84 (non-concussed range).

• By the end, all patients were symptom-free with final scores averaging 85.

• No adverse events occurred.

In short, every patient recovered fully, safely, and often within just days.

Why HBOT Works for Concussions

Concussions create an “energy crisis” in the brain. While the injured brain requires more oxygen and blood flow to heal, blood flow actually decreases for 7–10 days after injury.

HBOT directly addresses this problem by:

• Delivering oxygen under pressure to reach injured brain tissue.

• Restoring energy metabolism so cells can recover.

• Reducing inflammation and swelling.

• Supporting long-term brain health by minimizing risks of repeat or prolonged injury.

In contrast to rest, which may leave athletes vulnerable to lingering symptoms, HBOT provides an active, biological repair process.

A Safer, Faster Path Back to Work, School, and Sports

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that HBOT accelerates concussion recovery. In fact, many patients in the trial noticed improvement after just one treatment, with sustained recovery after a short course of therapy. Even more encouraging, no side effects or complications were reported.

What This Means for Iowa Families

At Capital Health & Iowa HBOT, we remain committed to providing safe, research-backed therapies that help patients recover fully. While larger studies are still needed, this latest research reinforces what we already see in practice: hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers real hope for faster, more complete concussion recovery.

If your child is struggling with a recent concussion, whether from sports or school activities, HBOT may be a powerful tool to support healing and reduce long-term risks.

Interested in learning more? 

Read the full study here. Below is a spreadsheet with results from 28 trials for HBOT on concussion treatment. Click here to download the full document, with additional research links to studies on HBOT and concussions.

Call us at 515-421-4018 to schedule a consultation and find out if HBOT is right for your family. Learn more about HBOT and the various conditions it can benefit here.