Understanding the pathology and treatment of traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder: a therapeutic role for hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an intracranial injury caused by external trauma leading to different degrees of brain damage. TBI can cause a wide array of symptoms and range in severity from concussion to coma and death. The link between TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has received increasing attention due to the high incidence of these conditions in soldiers returning from recent conflicts. TBI has been associated with an increased risk of PTSD. Additionally, TBI and PTSD often demonstrate overlapping symptoms. In this article, we discuss the different forms of TBI and their links to PTSD. We also discuss current therapies for TBI and PTSD, in particular detailing the therapeutic potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of these conditions.