HBOT Conversations Ep 2.12 | Dr. Jay Stevens Head Injuries : TBI, MTBI, Concussions, & Post-Concussion Syndrome

Dr. Jay Stevens, Medical Director of Extivita, returns to discuss the critical importance of treating head injuries, including concussions, with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Dr. Stevens emphasizes that we are currently facing an epidemic of head trauma, encompassing various conditions such as concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), minimal or mild TBI (mTBI), Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS).

He elaborates on the subtle differences in terminology and definitions for these conditions but underscores that they all fall under the category of head trauma. Dr. Stevens highlights that even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be seen as a form of PPCS because it represents persistent brain injury, though not initially labeled as a concussion.

Dr. Stevens explains the significance of distinguishing between acute, sub-acute, chronic, and persistent head trauma in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Regardless of the type or severity of the head injury, he advocates for immediate HBOT treatment, as it provides benefits for all head trauma cases.

Beyond professional athletes and military personnel, Dr. Stevens emphasizes the importance of recognizing the benefits of HBOT for adolescent athletes. In Wake County, North Carolina, where his practice is located, there are thousands of reported concussions each year. Dr. Stevens shares stories of high school students who have suffered from lingering effects after concussions and believes that access to HBOT facilities like Extivita-RTP would have significantly improved their outcomes.

The discussion also touches on the connection between the gut (often referred to as the second brain) and the brain. Dr. Stevens and the host, Ed di Girolamo, highlight the interplay between gut health and mental well-being, stressing that the health of both is integral to overall quality of life.

Dr. Stevens and di Girolamo firmly assert that HBOT is one of the most effective treatments for head trauma relief. They emphasize that HBOT is a natural and transformative therapy that can help individuals, including adolescents, recover from head injuries, potentially preventing the onset of post-concussion syndrome. Immediate HBOT treatment in the acute concussion stage provides the brain with the necessary oxygen for healing and can significantly improve the individual's quality of life.