What is a concussion and how do I know if I’ve had one?
When someone suffers from a concussion, their whole life can be put on hold. Concussion symptoms can sometimes even show up days, months, and weeks after the initially injury occurred. This type of traumatic brain injury can be especially debilitating to people who lead an active and busy lifestyle as they suddenly realize they can’t do a lot of the things they were able to do before. A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump or blow to the head that causes the brain to move inside the skull. Some people lose consciousness and others are completely conscious throughout. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of a concussion as they have the potential to show up later. Dizziness, fatigue, headaches, light and noise sensitivity, depression, and anxiety are all symptoms that could arise after a concussion. Read ahead to see how HBOT can help you!
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
There are various treatments that are used to help treat people that have concussions. One treatment to help the brain heal faster and more efficiently is a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy typically involves a chamber that the patient sits in for an extended period. This chamber delivers oxygens to our tissues at 3 times higher pressure. With a higher pressure, this means that more than normal blood and oxygen is being delivered to your tissues. Our blood is filled with nutrients and molecules that help our tissues regain their strength and heal so when there is more blood going to the body, essentially your body is healing at a faster rate when you are in the chamber. A session in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps increase the blood flow and oxygen levels to the damaged area and helps that oxygen starved tissue heal faster. Not only does a hyperbaric oxygen chamber help with increased blood flow, but it can also help increase our body’s immune defenses therefore helping us fight against infections and bacteria.
What Do I Do When I am in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?
A session in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber can vary depending on what your healthcare providers deems is necessary. Typically, one enters the hyperbaric chambers and sits down for a session that can last upwards of 1.5 hours. There are numerous things that one can feel while in the chamber all which are completely normal. When pressure rises, it is normal for our ears to feel plugged like what happens when you go up a mountain and your ears close off. If this happens, swallowing or chewing gum can help alleviate this feeling. After a session feeling lightheaded, fatigued, or having a headache is all completely normal; your body is just recovering from the session. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you qualify for treatments as there are people that are not able to do them. Examples would be people who have just had ear surgery, have a cold, and certain types of lung disease. Please don’t hesitate to call NorCal Brain Center with any questions that you have regarding the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you can so we can help you find the best treatment possible for you as to ensure that you can live your best life daily! Please call us at (408)585-5275 if you have any questions!
