Hyperbaric therapy — also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HBO, or HBOT — is a medical treatment that uses an increase in atmospheric pressure to help the body absorb more oxygen. In this article we talk about how HBOT helps to treat traumatic brain injuries frequently caused by auto accidents. Treatment for injuries resulting from an auto accident are also covered by auto insurance.
Auto accidents often cause traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or concussion and the effects can last a long time with life-altering consequences. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a highly-effective, scientifically-proven treatment for TBI that some auto-accident insurers now support under the stipulations of personal injury protection laws in the State of Oregon. This is excellent news for those suffering from the aftermath of an auto accident because HBOT has been shown to significantly improve cognitive function as well as quality of life for those with TBI and/or prolonged post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Joshua Phillips, ND, at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in downtown Bend, Oregon has been specifically trained in hyperbaric oxygen therapy for those who have recently been in an auto accident and many of his patients report that the results of HBOT treatment have been life-changing.
TBI is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and it has made headlines in recent years, often in the context of the danger of contact sports like football. But beyond sports celebrities, millions of people in the U.S. suffer from TBI and post-concussion syndrome every year and one quarter of those injuries are caused by auto accidents. One of the challenges in treating this impairment is that it is difficult to detect through anatomical imaging. Further, unlike other bodily injuries–like a broken bone that may be healed through stability and support–brain injuries are internal and hard to repair. Many suffer with the after effects of TBI throughout their lives. The good news is the skilled use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy induces neuroplasticity, which leads to the repair of chronically impaired brain functions. This has the overall effect of empowering injured patients to lead fulfilling lives even after a devastating accident.
TBI and concussion symptoms are often misdiagnosed and can lead to complications several days—or even weeks—after an auto accident. The symptoms are incredibly varied and many accident survivors with TBI never loose consciousness. One person may feel dizzy or experience a strong sensitivity to light, while another may have difficulty sleeping or feel angry and depressed. All of this variability creates confusion for the person suffering from TBI, their health care professionals, as well as the first responders to the accident. The following is just a partial list of symptoms you may recognize if you have post-concussion syndrome.
Mild symptoms include:
- Loss of memory or difficulty concentrating
- Vomiting or nausea
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Dizziness
- Anger and depression
- Abrupt changes to mood and personality
- Blurred vision
- Ringing ears
- Tiredness
- Sleeplessness
Severe TBI and concussion symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Trouble with coordination/movement
- Tingling or numbness in arms and legs
- Dilated pupils
One dangerous complication of TBI is that it makes survivors vulnerable to strokes because head injuries may result in damage to the brain’s blood supply. If the blood supply is cut of, healthy brain cells die and a stroke can occur. If you have TBI symptoms, become aware of signs of a stroke: these include slurred speech, facial drooping, and weakness in the extremities.
If you are suffering from any symptoms of TBI after a car accident, or have a loved one that has had a stroke or concussion, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may provide the relief you have been looking for. HBOT helps the body absorb more oxygen by increasing the air pressure within an enclosed chamber where you will be lying comfortably, and breathing in oxygen through a mask. The oxygen then infuses with various liquids in your body like blood, plasma and cerebral fluids which allows your body to heal. The treatment is relaxing, painless, and non-invasive, and in many cases, HBOT will be covered by your auto insurance if you have recently been in an auto accident.
We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with us here at Hawthorn Healing Arts in downtown Bend, Oregon as soon as possible after a car accident or if you think you may be experiencing post-concussion syndrome. Not only do we provide cutting-edge treatment like hyperbaric oxygen therapy for MVAs. Our team of healers takeing a holistic approach and will provide a combination of massage, acupuncture, and mental health services for you to address the roots of your injury and trauma. Keeping all of your treatment under one roof allows us to handle all of the medical billing to your insurance company—that means less headaches for you. Being in an accident is stressful enough!
Our team of holistic practitioners is here to help. Call us today 541.330.0334 and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible to begin the process of helping your recover.