TBI and Neurological conditions; bi-directional risk
A recent study published in Neurology found a bi-directional link between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other neurological conditions. The researchers evaluated a total of 13,801 (we will call this group 1) older veterans who had been diagnosed with acute TBI after the development of a neurological condition, and 41,403 (we will call this group 2) older veterans with a new neurological condition diagnosis 1 year post-TBI. Simply put, group 1 represented veterans with neurological conditions preceding TBI. Group 2 represented veterans with TBI preceding neurological conditions. Four neurological conditions were evaluated: stroke, dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Incidence rates of neurological disease in group 1 showed significant increases for all four neurological conditions preceding TBI. Incidents of stroke, dementia, and PD were 3x higher, and epilepsy was almost 4.5x higher. In group 2, the incidence of stroke and dementia was approximately 2x higher, dementia rates increased by 24%, and PD rates showed no change.
So, what does this all mean? In this study, veterans with a pre-existing neurological condition had a significantly increased likelihood of receiving a traumatic brain injury. This is due to changes in the brain that impair cognition, decision-making, stability and gait, chance of seizure, etc. These conditions cause these individuals to be more susceptible to falls or other mechanisms of injury which cause TBI. Conversely, veterans that had previously received a TBI had an increased risk of developing three of the four neurological conditions. This is due to damage in the brain from TBI resulting in increased risk of disease development.
So, how does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy play into this? We know that HBOT improves brain health through several mechanisms, including increased brain cell metabolism, decreased neuro-inflammation, increased stem cell mobilization, and re-vascularization. HBOT has been used to great effect in treating TBI. Newer research has shown HBOT to reduce symptoms of both dementia and PD. HBOT improves all tissue healing, and this is certainly the case for the brain and nervous system.
More research is being conducted around seizure disorders and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. While new evidence shows that at lower pressures (1.3–1.5 ATA, which is where most neurological conditions are treated), patients with seizure disorders tend to have positive improvement in their symptoms. The long-standing risk of seizures stems from what is called Central Nervous System Oxygen Toxicity. This is a condition that is only reported at pressures of 2.0 ATA or higher. Even then, the rate is ~1/50,000. This is not a seizure that occurs from the disorder (e.g., epilepsy) itself, but rather over-oxygenation of the CNS, which is a temporary condition and very avoidable.
First, we should consider using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for support following TBI. This is a very well-studied application of HBOT that has a strong track record of not only addressing the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury, but doing so with permanence. Individuals who have received a TBI should strongly consider HBOT to not only decrease the possibility of developing the neurological conditions mentioned in this study, but others as well. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer’s, and other brain disorders have also been linked to TBI. In addition, TBI affects everyday life through headaches, mood swings, brain fog, and more. HBOT for TBI can save patients from increased disease risk, suffering, and future medical expenses.
Now consider HBOT as an intervention for the 4 neurological disorders. The relationship between these disorders and developing a TBI are significant. Keep in mind that the cause of the TBI comes primarily from the motor deficits caused by these conditions. Therefore, mitigation of symptoms is particularly important. HBOT for brain injury following a stroke is similar to the approach used following a Traumatic Brain Injury as the brain tissue damage is being addressed. Research shows promising results for dementia and Parkinson’s Disease symptoms as well. As mentioned earlier, new cases show positive results in seizure disorders following HBOT, and patients are encouraged to talk with their providers and see if HBOT is an intervention they should try.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any of the conditions listed, please visit our booking page here for a free consultation. Speak with a Hyperbaric technician to find out if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is right for you.
References:
Peltz, C., Albrecht, J. S., Bahorik, A. L., Xia, F., Gardner, R. C., & Yaffe, K. (2026). Neurologic diagnoses before and after traumatic brain injury: A retrospective cohort study of older veterans. Neurology, 107(2), e218214. Read the full study
Mountain Hyperbarics
September 11, 2026
