In Part 2 of this Research Rundown, we continue our discussion from the previous Research Rundown and dive in deeper to the Evidence Brief prepared by the Veteran Administration (VA), entitled Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury and or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Highlights:
- It’s disappointing that when it comes to HBOT and applying it to Traumatic Brain Injuries, and PTSD, this Evidence Brief can easily be misleading at first glance since it’s portrayed that each part has no value.
- There are 118 studies referenced, but 103 have been excluded. Only 15 were included.
- Within the 103 that have been excluded, there are some really good studies listed and it’s a pretty big grey area on why they were excluded.
- The 15 that were selected were evaluated solely based on risk of bias across several categories, with only one study having the lowest risk of bias across the board. The sham group in that particular study (also known as the placebo) still received a small increase of supplemental oxygen within a slightly increased pressurized environment. Since we know that even the littlest bit of increased oxygen and pressure will still offer a benefit, this wasn’t a true sham group.
- Dr. Harch’s study is one that was excluded, and we still have questions on “why”. Dr. Harch has dedicated decades to the use of hyperbaric oxygen and has healed countless ailments. But, more importantly he has not made a fortune on his research or the use of HBOT. Dr. Harch remains dedicated to simply healing the sick and wounded, and getting the truth out there that HBOT works.
We do not recommend this Evidence Brief to those searching to find information that would provide a solid conclusion on the use of HBOT for treatment of TBIs and PTSD; however we would recommend reviewing it simply for the overwhelming summary of research listed. We suggest you dive in deeper to many of the 104 really good studies that were excluded, we trust you’ll see for yourself that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy does indeed have an extremely positive impact on the treatment of TBI and PTSD.
Read the Full Paper:
Parr NJ, Anderson J, Veazie S. Evidence Brief: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US); 2021 Jul. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572533/