Effects of comprehensive hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the patients with minimal consciousness following traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective To investigate the capacity of comprehensive HBO therapy in the recovery of consciousness and daily life activity of the patients following traumatic brain injury(TBI). Methods There were 82 patients who conformed to the standards of minimal consciousness, of whom 30 completed 3 courses of HBO therapy, 28 completed 6 courses of HBO therapy, 24 just received routine treatment. The patients in all groups received both drug therapy and rehabilitation treatment. On the basis of routine treatment, the patients in different HBO groups received various courses of HBO therapy. At week 12 and 24, the consciousness and daily life activity of the patients were evaluated by using coma recovery scale-revised(CRS-R)and modified Barthel index(MBI). Results As compared with those before treatment, statistical significance could be seen in the scores of CRS-R and MBI in the 2 HBO groups, following 12 and 24 weeks of HBO therapy respectively(P<0.01). At week 12 and 24 after HBO therapy, the scores of CRS-R and MBI in the 2 HBO groups were all higher than those of the routine treatment group, and statistical significance could be noted, when comparisons were made between them(P<0.05 or P<0.01). At week 24, the scores of CRS-R and MBI in the 6-course HBO group were higher than those in the 3-Course HBO group, and statistical significance could be seen, when comparisons were made between them(P<0.05). Conclusions HBO therapy could improve the consciousness and daily life activity of the patients with traumatic brain injury. Twenty-four-week follow-ups indicated that the therapeutic effects of 6-Course HBO therapy were obviously better than those of the 3-Course HBO therapy. For this reason, HBO therapy should not be terminated too early. Key words: Traumatic brain injury; Minimal conscious state; Hyperbaric oxygen; Rehabilitation