New Research Confirms: HBOT Can Treat Acute Concussions in Just a Few Days
Fargo-Based Concussion Clinic Delivers Fast, Effective Concussion Recovery Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Imagine this: You’re watching your daughter play volleyball, hockey, or lacrosse. She takes a hit to the head and crumples. You feel it in your gut. She gets up, dusts herself off, but she’s not quite right — her steps are off, her speech is slower, and her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. You head to urgent care where you hear the usual line:
“Looks like a concussion. The best thing is rest and wait. If it gets worse or she starts throwing up, go to the ER. Otherwise, follow up in two weeks. Her concussion could take a while to heal.”
Is that really the best we have in 2025?
At Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota, we believe the answer is NO.
And now — backed by newly published research — we have the data to prove there is now a way to treat concussions. Not manage. Not wait. Not hope symptoms don’t get worse. But treat the brain and promote real healing.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is emerging as one of the most promising acute concussion treatment options available today. At our Fargo-based concussion clinic, we’ve developed a physician-led approach called the Denham Concussion Protocol, designed to restore brain function quickly and safely — often in just a few sessions when treatment begins within the first 10 days after injury.
In this article, we’ll walk through what makes this treatment so different, share highlights from our research, and show how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is changing the future of concussion recovery — one patient at a time.
Breakthrough Study: HBOT for Concussion Healing, Backed by Brain Data
A groundbreaking study — “EEG-based brain biomarker supports hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute concussions” — conducted by Dr. Daphne Denham and Menley Denham of Healing with Hyperbarics, confirms what they’ve observed firsthand: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can rapidly heal concussions when started early.
What the study involved:
11 student-athletes treated within 10 days of injury (median: 3 days)
All had concussions assessed objectively using the FDA-cleared BrainScope® EEG-based tool, which provides a Concussion Index score from 0–100 (≤70 = concussion)
At baseline, the median score was 18 — indicating severe concussion
After treatment, the first post‑treatment score jumped to 84, with a final median score of 85 — firmly in the non‑concussed range
Average number of HBOT treatments: 3 (range 2–8), administered over just 2 days (range 2–5)
No adverse events were reported at any point
These findings offer objective evidence — using a brain biomarker, not just symptoms — that HBOT can safely and effectively resolve acute concussion before it becomes persistent or chronic. The objective data mirror our clinical experience with hundreds of families now treated successfully with our faculty-guided Denham Concussion Protocol.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals the Brain After Concussion
At first glance, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might sound simple — you enter a pressurized chamber and breathe 100% pure oxygen. But the biological response it triggers is powerful, especially for the brain.
When delivered under pressure, oxygen becomes a healing tool. The body absorbs far more oxygen than it can under normal conditions, allowing oxygen-rich plasma to penetrate deep into damaged tissues — including concussed areas of the brain. This process fuels recovery in ways traditional “rest-and-wait” approaches simply can’t.
Here’s how HBOT supports concussion recovery:
Reduces inflammation and swelling in brain tissue, improving oxygen flow to starved or damaged areas
Promotes angiogenesis and neurogenesis, helping to rebuild blood vessels and repair neural networks
Activates cellular repair pathways by influencing gene expression and regenerative signaling
Enhances blood flow, rewiring damaged neural networks and restoring brainwave patterns
In practical terms, this means faster neurological healing, fewer lingering symptoms, and a reduced risk of post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
At Healing with Hyperbarics, we use HBOT as a proactive, physician-led approach to treat concussions — not just manage the symptoms. By targeting the injury at its source, we help patients return to baseline more safely and efficiently than with rest alone.
Curious how HBOT compares to traditional care? Explore our full concussion care overview here.
Why These Results Matter for Concussion Treatment
This isn’t just another research paper — it’s proof of what we’ve seen firsthand for years: when you treat concussions early with HBOT, the brain heals faster, better, and more completely.
If you've ever been told to “just wait it out” after a concussion, you know how frustrating and helpless that advice can feel — especially when you're watching someone you love struggle. This study challenges that outdated approach and proves there’s a better way.
At Healing with Hyperbarics, we’ve treated more than 1,000 concussions using a physician-developed protocol that doesn’t just manage symptoms — it actively heals the brain.
Here’s why this research is a breakthrough in 2025 concussion care:
Based on Objective Brain Data: Patients were tested using BrainScope®, an FDA-cleared device that measures brain function using EEG — giving us a clear, measurable way to track healing.
Shows Fast, Effective Results: Most patients saw significant improvements in just 2–5 days, with an average of 3 hyperbaric treatments, for this group.
Treats the Root Problem: HBOT reduces inflammation and restores oxygen flow to the brain, helping patients fully recover rather than simply managing symptoms.
Supports Early Intervention: The study shows the best outcomes when treatment begins within 10 days of injury, which could drastically reduce the number of people who go on to develop post-concussion syndrome.
Works Beyond Athletes: While this study focused on youth athletes, we’re seeing these results across all ages and injury types — from car accidents to workplace falls.
Empowers Families & Providers: This is the hope and data-driven care many families have been waiting for — especially when standard concussion treatment feels like doing nothing.
This is what true progress in concussion care looks like — and it’s available right now.
What to Expect at Healing with Hyperbarics
If you're considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy for concussion recovery, you may be wondering what the experience is really like. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, we combine cutting-edge tools with personalized, physician-led care to deliver results that are both fast and lasting.
From the moment you walk through our doors, your safety and comfort are our top priority. Every patient begins with a one-on-one consultation to determine the best course of care based on their symptoms, injury timeline, and overall health. If HBOT is appropriate, we’ll walk you through each step of the process so you feel confident and informed.
Here’s what your care may include:
A full diagnostic workup using one or more objective tools:
BrainScope®, an FDA-cleared EEG device that provides a Concussion Index score to help track healing.
EyeBOX, a noninvasive eye-tracking tool to assess brain function and detect concussion symptoms.
BTrackS™, a balance-assessment system that helps identify vestibular changes caused by brain injury.
Individualized treatment plan using our proprietary concussion protocol, developed by Dr. Daphne Denham.
HBOT sessions inside a pressurized chamber, where you’ll relax and breathe 100% oxygen. Most patients describe the experience as calming, quiet, and comfortable — some even nap!
Most acute concussion patients experience noticeable symptom relief within just 1–2 sessions. On average, 3-4 treatments are all that’s needed for acute concussions to restore the brain to normal function — though every case is unique and guided by symptoms and diagnostic testing.
Throughout your care, you’ll be supported by our expert medical team, who are here to answer questions, monitor your progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. It’s not just therapy — it's a partnership in your healing.
Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation today or call 701-251-0209 to speak with our care team.
A Message to Athletes, Parents & Coaches
Don’t Wait to Treat a Concussion
If you’re an athlete — or care for one — you know how common head injuries can be. But concussions aren’t just “part of the game,” and they shouldn’t be brushed off or delayed.
The sooner you treat a concussion, the better the outcome.
At Healing with Hyperbarics, we’ve seen firsthand how early intervention with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can dramatically speed up recovery and reduce long-term effects.
For youth, high school, and college athletes, HBOT can mean:
Fewer missed school days, practices & games
Relief from symptoms like headaches, fogginess, or mood swings
A safer, faster return to the activities they love
Reduced risk of post-concussion syndrome and repeated injury
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or student athlete — know that concussion treatment options exist, and they’re available right here in our community at Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota.
Start Concussion Recovery in Fargo Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion, don’t wait and see — let’s treat it.
At Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota, we offer:
Fast, physician-led consultations
Easy scheduling — often within days
Proven protocols for concussion recovery using HBOT
Diagnostic tools to guide safe return to play, school, or work
Whether you're navigating a new injury or still struggling with symptoms from weeks ago, we’re ready to help you heal — quickly, safely, and effectively.
Visit our concussion treatment webpage to learn more or call 701-251-0209 to schedule an appointment today.
Your brain deserves more than rest. It deserves recovery.