Introduction: Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a condition characterized by the persistence of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion. This condition affects approximately 15-30% of individuals who have suffered a concussion. Recently, the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Post-Concussion Syndrome (HOT-POCS) pilot study has taken on the challenge to explore Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment option for PCS in the civilian population. This article provides an overview of the HOT-POCS study and its objectives.
The HOT-POCS Study: The HOT-POCS study, led by Brittany Wright and a team of researchers, is a randomized, double-blinded controlled pilot study that aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for treating PCS. Previous research on HBOT for PCS yielded mixed results, largely due to inconsistencies in treatment protocols and a focus on veterans with combat-related injuries. The HOT-POCS study, however, is designed to overcome these limitations by employing a standardized HBOT protocol and focusing on the civilian population.
Methodology: The study involves 100 adult participants with persistent post-concussive symptoms occurring 3-12 months after injury. The participants are randomly assigned to either receive HBOT or a placebo. The HBOT group receives 20 sessions of 100% oxygen at 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA), while the placebo group receives 20 sessions of a gas mixture that mimics the oxygen composition at room air (10.5% O2 and 89.5% nitrogen at 2.0 ATA).
Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome of interest is the change in symptoms as measured by the Rivermead Post-concussion Questionnaire (RPQ). Secondary outcomes include the rate of adverse events, changes in quality of life, and changes in cognitive function. Additionally, exploratory outcome measures will observe changes in physical function and alterations in cerebral brain perfusion and oxygen metabolism using MRI brain imaging.
Significance: The HOT-POCS study is significant as it aims to establish a standardized treatment protocol for HBOT in PCS and assess its efficacy in the civilian population. By comparing HBOT to a true placebo gas system, the study aims to shed light on whether HBOT can be an effective and safe treatment option for those struggling with the lingering effects of concussions.
Conclusion: The HOT-POCS study is a pioneering effort to understand the potential of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in treating Post-Concussion Syndrome among civilians. The results of this study could have profound implications for the management and treatment of PCS, potentially offering a new approach to improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition. As the study progresses, medical professionals, patients, and their families will be eagerly waiting to see if HBOT can offer a ray of hope in the battle against Post-Concussion Syndrome.
