HBOT for Youth Concussion Treatment By: Ella Napotnik
This is a photo of the inside of the hyperbaric oxygen tank located at Hamlin Chiropractic. Imagine a scenario where a child is in the middle of soccer practice, but faces a traumatic hit to their head which results in a concussion. What if the injury was severe enough to have caused the child to suffer from this brain injury for the rest of their life? This is the case for many patients of youth concussions. According to Harvard Health, around two million children and teens suffer from a concussion every year.1 To fully grasp the severity of this issue, it is important to examine what a concussion is as well as the treatments offered for it. Defined as an injury where a physical blow done to the body causes the brain to move around in the skull, a concussion can become a major issue in a child or teen’s life if it is not treated properly. Researchers are constantly conducting insightful tests to find the most effective treatment for youth concussions. While most can agree that relative rest and refraining from strenuous activities are vital to cure a concussion, Dr. Justin Napotnik from Hamlin Chiropractic suggests another treatment: hyperbaric oxygen therapy.2 What is a concussion? concussion occurs when a sudden blow causes the brain to move back and forth throughout A the skull. This injury often leads to dizziness, headaches, changes in vision, and in more serious cases, frequent passing out. The Mayfield Clinic categorizes concussions amongst a scale, 1
MD, Claire McCarthy. “Concussion in Children: What to Know and Do.” Harvard Health, 12 Apr. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/concussion-in-children-what-to-know-and-do-202404123032. 2 Napotnik, Justin. Personal interview with the doctor. 18 January 2025.