USF researchers are conducing a clinical research study using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to treat symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with a focus on Florida veterans. The study will help determine if (HBOT) can ease the symptoms of (TBI) in Florida’s veteran, active duty, and reserve service members with PTSD.
USF Health researchers will conduct a clinical trial to study the efficacy of HBOT on individuals with symptoms after a (TBI) with or without symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This research is possible through a grant from the Florida Legislature with an initial allocation of $14 million. This study seeks to clarify if HBOT will help individuals recover after TBI.
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More about the trial for Florida veterans
The USF Health-based clinical trial for HBOT will be a five-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. This is the gold standard in academic research. The initial phase of the clinical trial is underway. The trial will have a national advisory panel of experts and collaborating with the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and other community leaders. The clinical trial is being led by Harry van Loveren, MD. He’s professor and chair of the USF Health Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair.
“Through this grant, Florida is making a serious investment in definitive research that is designed to benefit all veterans in all states at its conclusion. It’s great that the State of Florida is initiating a project that can have such broad benefits across the United States.”
Dr. van Loveren
Dr. van Loveren said the USF Health neurosurgery research group has spent years looking at TBI from a variety of scientific perspectives. They have been conducting TBI-focused research for almost 20 years. This has produced nearly 100 peer-reviewed papers surrounding the neuroscience associated with TBI. In addition, the team has conducted numerous smaller state-funded clinical trials to study the effectiveness of HBOT in those who suffer from TBI.
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment to fill the blood with enough oxygen that allows tissues to repair. HBOT is well known for treating decompression sickness, serious infections, and air bubbles in blood vessels.
During HBOT, a person inhales 100% oxygen, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. The elevated pressure helps the oxygen dissolve more efficiently into the bloodstream. This promotes the delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body. This increased oxygen availability can have various therapeutic effects.
HBOT is commonly used for conditions such as decompression sickness (a risk for scuba divers), non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic infections, and certain types of injuries. It is considered a complementary or adjunctive therapy in some medical settings. Its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific condition being treated.
