Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Jay Metzger

Keywords

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Traumatic Brain Injuries; Hyperbaric Oxygen Effectiveness; Hyperbaric Oxygen Safety; Hyperbaric Oxygen Side Effects; Hyperbaric Oxygen Contraindications; Hyperbaric Oxygen Mechanism of Action; Hyperbaric Oxygen Evidence

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect approximately 2.5 million people each year (Brain, 2014). The most current treatment options for TBIs include extensive long-term rehabilitation and therapy services, in which many only gain little improvement of their overall health (Traumatic, 2019). New trends in treating TBIs with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are emerging due to increased accessibility to hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The purpose of this research and systematic literature review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using HBOT to improve the treatment outcomes of TBIs. This review included the search of four databases including PubMed, Cochrane Review, Clinical Key, and DynaMed. The search included randomized control trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that were published within the last 20 years. Several of the presented studies show evidence to support the use of HBOT in TBIs, however the majority of research suggests overall insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of HBOT in the treatment of TBIs. Several studies also address the concern for safety and side effects with the use of HBOT in treating TBIs, as individuals are exposed to increased pressures for long lengths of time. Ultimately, more research and clinical trials are needed in order to claim safety and efficacy in the use of HBOT for the treatment of TBIs.

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