Concussion, PCS, & mTBI

The importance of proper healing from Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBIs), such as concussions, has been historically undervalued(1). Thankfully, recent years have brought an increased focus towards mTBIs in the United States, especially towards their potential long-term consequences(2).

Acute symptoms such as slow response time, irritability, and low energy may resolve on their own, but sometimes they can persist and evolve into long-lasting cognitive, behavioral, and communicative disabilities(2). When these symptoms remain present 3 months post-injury, the individual is considered to have “Post-Concussion Syndrome” or “PCS”(3).

We strongly recommend Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a primary treatment for mTBIs and PCS. We also recommend Neurofeedback Therapy, IV Therapy, and Pulsed-Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) as supporting therapies to maximize your healing.

Extivita Therapies for Concussion, PCS, & mTBI:

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EXTIVITA THERAPIES FOR CONCUSSION, PCS, & mTBI RECOVERY:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Concussion

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Neurofeedback Therapy for Concussion

Neurofeedback

Supplements for Concussion

Supplements

Nutritional IV Therapy for Concussion

Nutritional IV Therapy

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) for Concussion

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

Listen to John’s experience with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to treat his Concussion & Post Concussion Syndrome

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Concussion:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Chapel Hill

HBOT has repeatedly been shown to improve many PCS symptoms, even years after initial injury(4-7). Specific categories of improvement include memory, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ratings, sleep quality, and overall quality of life(4-6). These positive findings are typically achieved after completing 40 HBOT treatments, most commonly at a pressure of 1.5-2.0 atmospheres(4-6).

 

Research suggests that these improvements are due to improved tissue oxygenation, cellular metabolism, and mitochondrial function as well as a well-regulated inflammatory response. These effects are a direct result of HBOT(8). Lastly, the benefits of HBOT for mTBI are likely most significant when administered soon after initial injury, although studies have found that improvements can still occur up to 5 years post-mTBI(7).

Learn more about HBOT

Effects of HBOT on Concussion, PCS, & mTBI:

Grows New Blood Vessels

New Blood Vessel Formation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, healing injured tissues that were unable to get nutrients and oxygen.
Increases Stem Cell Production

Increased Stem Cell Activity

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy mobilizes stem progenitor cells (SPCs) from the bone marrow, creating the opportunity for tissue regeneration.
Decreases Inflammation

Decreased Inflammation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces systemic inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory gene expression and decreasing proinflammatory genes.
Neurofeedback Therapy in Durham, NC

Neurofeedback for Concussion:

Neurofeedback may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for those experiencing mTBI or PCS symptoms. After a mTBI, the brain must form new neural pathways to account for any brain tissue damaged by the mTBI. These new connections play a vital role in restoring healthy brain function, and neurofeedback has been shown to help establish and strengthen such connections(9). While there are few studies on neurofeedback and mTBIs specifically, existing research has found improvements in attention in people with mTBI following neurofeedback therapy(10).

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IV Therapy for Concussion:

Both our Myer’s cocktail IV and NAD+ Trio IV can help mTBI recovery. After mTBIs occur, the brain typically shows higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to brain cell damage and persistent mTBI symptoms(11-12).

Replenishing the brain with Vitamin C, a component of the Myer’s IV cocktail, decreases this inflammation and oxidative stress, slows down cell damage, neutralizes toxins, and reduces brain swelling(13). Vitamin B12, which is also in the Myer’s cocktail, has been reported to promote nerve repair after TBI as well(14). The combined benefits of vitamin C and B12 on the brain can help minimize brain cell damage and improve cognitive function.

We also recommend our NAD+ Trio IV for mTBI due to NAD+’s role in energy production, mitochondrial function, and DNA repair. Following a mTBI, NAD+ levels become depleted, cellular detoxification is impaired, and mitochondria do not function as well(15-16). This can result in a cascade of damaging effects that leads to neurodegeneration (brain cell death). Our NAD+ Trio IV replenishes your NAD+ levels, helping restore mitochondrial function and reduce the severity and resulting damage of such a cascade(15).

Learn More About Nutritional IV Therapy
Nutritional IV Therapy in Durham, NC
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) in Durham, NC

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Concussion:

Research has shown that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy supports the brain in numerous ways, some of which include improving cognitive function, reducing stress, and relieving headaches(17). Specific to mTBIs, PEMF has been shown to decrease neuroinflammation, reduce cytokine levels (such as IL-1B)(18), reduce phobias, and significantly improve psychological depression following mTBI(17-18).

Learn More About PEMF

News & Research for Concussion:

Review of recent non-hyperbaric oxygen interventions for mild traumatic brain injury.

Aug 3, 2017 | , ,

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 3.2 to 5.3 million persons in the United States (U.S.), and the impact in the U.S. military is proportionally higher. Consensus is lacking regarding an accepted outcome to measure the effectiveness of interventions to improve the symptoms associated with TBI, and no standard-of-care treatment exists for mild TBI (mTBI). A recent literature review evaluated hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO₂) interventions, and findings were mixed. We conducted a systematic review of non-HBO₂ mTBI interventional trials published in 2005-2015 in military and civilian populations. A total of 154 abstracts, seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five pilot studies were reviewed. RCTs were evaluated using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials criteria. Results indicated that studies published within the period of review were small pilot studies for rehabilitation therapy and motion capture or virtual reality gaming interventions. Neuropsychological assessments were commonly specified outcomes, and most studies included a combination of symptom and neuropsychological assessments. Findings indicated a lack of large-scale, well-controlled trials to address the symptoms and sequelae of this condition, but results of small exploratory studies show evidence of potentially promising interventions.

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Executive summary: The Brain Injury and Mechanism of Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) (BIMA) Study.

Aug 3, 2017 | ,

The Brain Injury and Mechanism of Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) (BIMA) study, sponsored by the Department of Defense and held under an investigational new drug application by the Office of the Army Surgeon General, is one of the largest and most complex clinical trials of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) for post-concussive symptoms (PCS) in U.S. military service members.

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Hyperbaric oxygen for mild traumatic brain injury: Design and baseline summary.

Aug 3, 2017 | ,

The Brain Injury and Mechanisms of Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) (BIMA) study, sponsored by the Department of Defense, is a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial that has a longer duration of follow-up and more comprehensive assessment battery compared to recent HBO₂ studies. BIMA randomized 71 participants from September 2012 to May 2014. Primary results are expected in 2017. Randomized military personnel received hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) at 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) or sham chamber sessions at 1.2 ATA, air, for 60 minutes daily for 40 sessions. Outcomes include neuropsychological, neuroimaging, neurological, vestibular, autonomic function, electroencephalography, and visual systems evaluated at baseline, immediately following intervention at 13 weeks and six months with self-report symptom and quality of life questionnaires at 12 months, 24 months and 36 months. Characteristics include: median age 33 years (range 21-53); 99% male; 82% Caucasian; 49% diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder; 28% with most recent injury three months to one year prior to enrollment; 32% blast injuries; and 73% multiple injuries. This manuscript describes the study design, outcome assessment battery, and baseline characteristics. Independent of a therapeutic role of HBO₂, results of BIMA will aid understanding of mTBI.

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References
  1. Mann, Aneetinder, et al. “Concussion Diagnosis and Management: Knowledge and Attitudes of Family Medicine Residents.” Canadian Family Physician, vol. 63, no. 6, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, June 2017, pp. 460–66.
  2. Silverberg, Noah D., et al. “Management of Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Synthesis of Practice Guidelines.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol. 101, no. 2, Feb. 2020, pp. 382–93. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2019.10.179.
  3. Ryan, Laurie M., and Deborah L. Warden. “Post Concussion Syndrome.” International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England), vol. 15, no. 4, Nov. 2003, pp. 310–16. PubMed, doi:10.1080/09540260310001606692.
  4. Harch, Paul G., et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Medical Gas Research, vol. 10, no. 1, Mar. 2020, pp. 8–20. PubMed, doi:10.4103/2045-9912.279978.
  5. Mozayeni, B. Robert, et al. “The National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation Study – a Multicenter Observational Study of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury with Post-Concussive Symptoms.” Medical Gas Research, vol. 9, no. 1, Mar. 2019, pp. 1–12. PubMed, doi:10.4103/2045-9912.254636.
  6. Weaver, Lindell K., et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen for Post-Concussive Symptoms in United States Military Service Members: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine: Journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc, vol. 45, no. 2, Apr. 2018, pp. 129–56.
  7. Boussi-Gross, Rahav, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Improve Post Concussion Syndrome Years after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury – Randomized Prospective Trial.” PLoS ONE, vol. 8, no. 11, Nov. 2013. PubMed Central, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079995.
  8. Efrati, Shai, and Eshel Ben-Jacob. “Reflections on the Neurotherapeutic Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen.” Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, vol. 14, no. 3, Mar. 2014, pp. 233–36. PubMed, doi:10.1586/14737175.2014.884928.
  9. Munivenkatappa, Ashok, et al. “EEG Neurofeedback Therapy: Can It Attenuate Brain Changes in TBI?” NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 3, IOS Press, Jan. 2014, pp. 481–84. content.iospress.com, doi:10.3233/NRE-141140.
  10. Hershaw, Jamie, et al. “Changes in Attentional Processing Following Neurofeedback in Patients with Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms: A Pilot Study.” Brain Injury, vol. 34, no. 13–14, Taylor & Francis, Dec. 2020, pp. 1723–31. Taylor and Francis+NEJM, doi:10.1080/02699052.2020.1812720.
  11. Chaban, Viktoriia, et al. “Systemic Inflammation Persists the First Year after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Results from the Prospective Trondheim Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Study.” Journal of Neurotrauma, vol. 37, no. 19, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, Oct. 2020, pp. 2120–30. liebertpub.com (Atypon), doi:10.1089/neu.2019.6963.
  12. Toklu, Hale Zerrin, and Nihal Tümer. “Oxidative Stress, Brain Edema, Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability, and Autonomic Dysfunction from Traumatic Brain Injury.” Brain Neurotrauma: Molecular, Neuropsychological, and Rehabilitation Aspects, edited by Firas H. Kobeissy, CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2015. PubMed, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK299195/.
  13. Leichtle, Stefan W et al. “High-Dose Intravenous Ascorbic Acid: Ready for Prime Time in Traumatic Brain Injury?.” Neurocritical care vol. 32,1 (2020): 333-339. doi:10.1007/s12028-019-00829-x
  14. Wu, Fangfang et al. “Vitamin B12 Enhances Nerve Repair and Improves Functional Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury by Inhibiting ER Stress-Induced Neuron Injury.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 10 406. 24 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00406
  15. Won, Seok Joon et al. “Prevention of traumatic brain injury-induced neuron death by intranasal delivery of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.” Journal of neurotrauma vol. 29,7 (2012): 1401-9. doi:10.1089/neu.2011.2228
  16. Klimova, Nina, Adam Fearnow, and Tibor Kristian. “Role of NAD+—Modulated Mitochondrial Free Radical Generation in Mechanisms of Acute Brain Injury.” Brain Sciences 10.7 (2020): 449. Crossref. Web
  17. Pawluk, William. “The role of pulsed magnetic fields in the management of concussion and traumatic brain injury.” The Journal of Science and Medicine vol. 1, 2 (2019)
  18. Rasouli, Jonathan et al. “Attenuation of interleukin-1beta by pulsed electromagnetic fields after traumatic brain injury.” Neuroscience letters vol. 519,1 (2012): 4-8. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2012.03.089