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New Evidence – Hyperbaric for Adults with Post-Concussion Symptoms After Childhood TBI

Sep 13, 2025

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New Evidence – Hyperbaric Therapy for Adults with Post-Concussion Symptoms After Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury

Many adults who experienced a childhood traumatic brain injury treatment need years of support to overcome lasting neurological challenges. Problems such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and cognitive “brain fog” can persist or even worsen over time, a condition commonly referred to as post-concussion syndrome in adults.

A growing body of research now points to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-concussion recovery as a powerful, evidence-based treatment that can help the adult brain heal, even decades after the original injury.

The Lasting Impact of Childhood TBI

Childhood TBIs are more common than most people realize. Sports injuries, falls, and accidents often cause concussions that may seem minor at the time. Yet studies show that even mild injuries can disrupt brain metabolism, blood flow, and neural connectivity.

For many, symptoms fade within weeks, but others experience long-term effects such as:

  • Persistent headaches or migraines
  • Memory and attention difficulties
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
  • Light and sound sensitivity

These issues can limit professional success, strain relationships, and diminish overall quality of life.

New Evidence Supporting HBOT

A landmark 2025 Frontiers in Neurology HBOT study provides compelling evidence that medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy Chicago patients receive can significantly improve brain function in this population.

Key findings include:

  • Enhanced Cognitive Performance: Participants receiving neurologist-supervised HBOT Chicago showed measurable gains in memory, attention, and executive function compared with controls.
  • Improved Brain Imaging Results: Advanced MRI scans demonstrated increased cerebral blood flow and metabolic activity after a course of treatments.
  • Reduced Symptom Severity: Patients reported fewer headaches, less fatigue, and better sleep quality.

Importantly, all treatments were delivered in medical-grade hyperbaric chambers Chicago -the same type used at CNS Center - capable of achieving the pressure and oxygen levels necessary to drive these healing effects.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-concussion recovery involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing oxygen delivery to tissues far beyond what is possible at normal atmospheric pressure. This process triggers several healing mechanisms critical for post-concussion recovery:

  • Enhanced Neuroplasticity – Higher oxygen levels stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and support the creation of new neural connections.

  • Reduced Neuroinflammation – HBOT calms chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

  • Improved Mitochondrial Function – HBOT helps restore mitochondrial efficiency, improving overall brain metabolism.

  • Stem Cell Mobilization – Research shows HBOT encourages the release of stem cells from bone marrow, aiding tissue repair and regeneration.

Real-World Benefits for Adults with Post-Concussion Symptoms

Adults treated with medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy Chicago after childhood TBI often report:

  • Clearer thinking and sharper memory
  • Reduced frequency and intensity of headaches
  • Improved mood stability and better sleep
  • Greater energy and endurance for daily activities

These improvements align with the 2025 Frontiers in Neurology HBOT study and years of clinical experience at CNS Center, where we have successfully treated thousands of patients with neurological conditions.

Why Medical-Grade Chambers Matter

It’s crucial to understand that not all hyperbaric chambers are alike. Many wellness centers advertise “mild” hyperbaric therapy, but these soft-sided or low-pressure units cannot deliver the same therapeutic results.

Medical-Grade Chambers (CNS Center)

Wellness/Mild Chambers

Pressures up to 3.0 ATA

Typically ≤1.3 ATA

100% oxygen under pressure

Room air or low-flow O₂

Physician-supervised, FDA-recognized

Often non-medical setting

Backed by decades of clinical research

Limited or no clinical data

All published studies—including the 2025 Frontiers in Neurology HBOT study—use medical-grade chambers. That’s why CNS Center is the only facility in Chicago offering the exact equipment and protocols validated by research, making it the best HBOT clinic Chicago patients can trust.

CNS Center: Chicago’s Leader in Medical Hyperbaric Therapy

Choosing the right HBOT provider can make all the difference. Here’s why CNS Center stands apart:

  • Only medical-grade hyperbaric chambers Chicago—the same type used in all major clinical studies.
  • Led by Dr. Lenny Cohen, MD, a board-certified neurologist with over 10 years of HBOT experience, having treated thousands of patients with neurological injuries and disorders.
  • Open 7 days a week, offering flexible scheduling to fit busy lives.
  • Every patient is supported by a dedicated technician who monitors comfort, safety, and progress during every session.

This combination of advanced technology, medical expertise, and personalized care ensures the safest and most effective treatment experience.

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-concussion program at CNS Center includes:

  • Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation – Dr. Cohen personally reviews each patient’s history, imaging, and goals.
  • Individualized Treatment Plan – Most adults benefit from a series of 40–60 sessions, each lasting about 60–90 minutes.
  • Relaxing, Monitored Sessions – Patients rest comfortably in spacious chambers while breathing pure oxygen, with a technician present at all times.
  • Ongoing Progress Tracking – Symptom assessments and, when appropriate, follow-up imaging help measure improvements.

Integrating HBOT with Broader Care

While HBOT is powerful on its own, CNS Center often integrates it with other evidence-based neurological therapies, including:

  • Cognitive rehabilitation and neurofeedback
  • Nutritional and lifestyle counseling
  • Medication management when needed

This holistic approach addresses every dimension of recovery.

Take the Next Step

If you or someone you love continues to experience post-concussion syndrome in adults stemming from a childhood head injury, it’s time to explore a treatment proven to make a difference.

Contact CNS Center to schedule HBOT consultation Chicago with Lenny Cohen, MD, and discover how medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy Chicago can help restore brain function, energy, and quality of life.