EEG-based brain biomarker supports hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute concussions.

Acute concussion is a significant health issue among youth athletes, affecting their quality of life and performance. However, the standard of care, rest, has been questioned, while treatments are lacking. This pilot case series used an FDA-cleared electroencephalogram-based brain biomarker (EEGBB) to demonstrate hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO₂) improvement for treating concussion. From December 31, 2021, through May 27, 2022, school-aged patients presenting at two HBO₂ clinics within ten days of injury with an acute concussion confirmed by an initial EEGBB assessment were evaluated. The EEGBB diagnoses concussions using artificial intelligence to yield a score between 0-100, with scores ≤70 considered concussed. HBO₂ using 1.5-2.0 ATA, progressing stepwise per patient tolerance, was administered in ≥4-hour intervals until sustained symptom-free. EEGBB assessment was performed before and after each treatment. Eleven patients [mean age: 16±2.2; six male (55%)] participated. Patients presented one to nine days (median: three) after injury. Their median baseline EEGBB score was 18 (range: 1 to 35). The median first and last post-treatment scores available were 84 (range: 32-90) and 85 (range: 75-89), respectively. The median number of HBO₂ treatments was three (range: 2-8) administered over a median of two days (range: two to five). All patients except one (due to a technical error) received a post-treatment follow-up score 2- 22 days after treatment completion. The median final score was 85 (range: 64-90). There were no adverse events. Preliminary data demonstrate that the EEGBB objectively supports the use of HBO₂ to treat acute concussions. Further research should confirm the appropriate HBO₂ regimen to treat concussions.