Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not hyperbaric oxygen therapy relieves post-concussion symptoms and improve quality of life.
Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in English in peer review journals.
Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials which evaluated the therapeutic benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to control group that did not receive any treatment. All studies were found in PubMed database.
Outcomes Measured: All three studies analyzed the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on quality of life. Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and EQ-VAS questionnaire were used to measure subjective improvements in quality of life.
Results: Two studies found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy had no statistically significant effect on quality of life. One study determined that treatments were effective and significantly improved quality of life.
Conclusions: Evidence is inconclusive and contradictory. Future studies should include large sample size and techniques to minimize placebo effect
