EEG-based brain biomarker supports hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute concussions
EEG-based brain biomarker supports hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute concussions
Running Title: EEG device assesses HBO2 for concussion
Daphne Watkins Denham, MD, FACS, FACCWS,1,2 Menley A. Denham, CHT1,2
1Healing with Hyperbarics, LLC, Northbrook, IL, USA; 2Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota, PLLC, Fargo, ND, USA
Running head: EEGBB supports HBO2 for acute concussions
Corresponding Author:
Daphne Watkins Denham, MD, FACS, FACCWS
Healing with Hyperbarics, LCC
1535 Lake Cook Road, Suite 404
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 559-8426
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interests to disclose.
Financial Support: Regenerative and Hyperbaric Medicine Inc. (Marietta, GA) funded this manuscript.
ABSTRACT
Acute concussion is a significant health issue among youth athletes, affecting their quality of life and performance. However, the standard of care, rest, has been questioned, while
treatments are lacking. This pilot case series used an FDA-cleared electroencephalogram-based brain biomarker (EEGBB) to demonstrate hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) improvement for treating concussion. From December 31, 2021, through May 27, 2022, school-aged patients presenting at two HBO2 clinics within ten days of injury with an acute concussion confirmed by an initial EEGBB assessment were evaluated. The EEGBB diagnoses concussions using artificial intelligence to yield a score between 0-100, with scores ≤70 considered concussed. HBO2 using 1.5-2.0 ATA, progressing stepwise per patient tolerance, was administered in ≥4-hour intervals until sustained symptom-free. EEGBB assessment was performed before and after each
treatment. Eleven patients [mean age:16 years, SD: 2.2; six male, (55%)] participated. Patients presented one to nine days (median: three) after injury. Their median baseline EEGBB score was 18 (range: 1 to 35). The median first and last post-treatment scores available were 84 (range: 32- 90) and 85 (range:75-89), respectively. The median number of HBO2 treatments was three (range: 2-8) administered over a median of two days (range: two to five). All patients except one
(due to a technical error) received a post-treatment follow-up score 2- 22 days after treatment
completion. The median final score was 85 (range: 64-90). There were no adverse events. Preliminary data demonstrate that the EEGBB objectively supports the use of HBO2 to treat
acute concussions. Further research should confirm the appropriate
regimen to treat
concussions.
HBO2
Keywords: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; mild traumatic brain injury; student-athletes
Key points: In this pilot case series, an EEGBB demonstrated that HBO2 safely resolved acute concussion 11 student athletes with acute concussion and ensured they were sustained symptom free.