What is the role of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of traumatic brain injury

    Traumatic brain injury is a common injury, and it is the second most common trauma after the extremities. Traumatic brain injury mainly includes skull fracture, concussion, brain contusion and intracerebral hematoma.  The role of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: 1. Under hyperbaric oxygen, the partial pressure of oxygen in brain tissue increases greatly, which not only provides sufficient oxygen but also constricts blood vessels, reduces vascular permeability and reduces cerebral edema.  2. Hyperbaric oxygen can activate the excitability of the central reticular system and improve the awakening state of the body, which is undoubtedly a great support for patients who are already in coma. The wake-promoting effect of hyperbaric oxygen is stronger than that of awakening agents.  In addition to improving the blood oxygen supply in the “ischemic semi-dark area” of brain tissue, hyperbaric oxygen can also promote the regeneration of capillaries in the brain, accelerate the establishment of collateral circulation, promote the regeneration of nerve axons and accelerate the growth rate of nerve fibers, which is extremely beneficial to the revival of brain cells and the recovery of physiological functions. For patients with post-traumatic brain injury syndrome, hyperbaric oxygen can reduce their clinical manifestations such as dizziness, headache, palpitation and memory loss, and some symptoms can even disappear completely.  Efficacy: The total efficiency of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for traumatic brain injury has reached 88.3%-96.6%. Moreover, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also shorten the treatment time.  Treatment method: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should pay special attention to the selection of treatment timing, and the general principle is early treatment. In general, after patients receive one course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (10 times, 1 time/day), the condition is significantly improved. If the condition is special, the treatment time often needs to be extended. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is only one of the means of treatment for traumatic brain injury, and must be based on conventional methods and combined with functional exercises to receive the desired effect.