Recent scientific research has demonstrated that wile the core-area of the damaged brain tissue may be irreversibly damaged, there is an area surrounding this tissue that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can restore and these neurons (brain/nerve cells) can re-establish their function.

By breathing pure oxygen under higher pressure such as during hyperbaric oxygen therapy the oxygen molecules are literally forced deep in the areas of poor circulation reviving the “sleeping” nerve cells and reestablishing brain function. The success of this neuro-rehabilitation is higher in early stages after the brain injury, although  good results can be achieved even years after.

Treatment of brain damage is one of the most controversial topics in hyperbaric medical community. While oxygen is the most important building block in brain rehabilitation after injury, and there is no doubt of  it benefit when treating carbon monoxide, cyanide or other types of poisoning, there remains large debate when:  traumatic brain injury, stroke, coma, autism, cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders are discussed.

Although volumes or scientific peer reviewed literature has been published on the topic of HBO in treatment of brain injury and most of that in favor for its benefits listed below, the Undersea Hiperbaric Medical Society Committee has not listed its treatment of medically approved indications for insurance reimbursement.