Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury: Could HBOT Be the Answer?

The Palm Beach Post recently highlighted ongoing concerns about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health as he has suffered multiple concussions. After suffering his latest concussion during a game against the Buffalo Bills, medical professionals are now exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment option.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves using a pressurized chamber filled with pure oxygen. This therapy may aid brain recovery by reducing inflammation and enhancing oxygen delivery to brain tissues. Many experts, including myself, advocate for HBOT use in concussion treatment. Early application of HBOT can lead to quicker recovery times and improved outcomes for head trauma patients. 

It’s important to note, as highlighted in the article, that concussion recovery is highly individualistic. There are varying responses based on genetics and previous injury history. The article also touches on the broader implications of repeated concussions, warning that they can lead to long-term cognitive issues. 

PUR-FORM’s Treatment Recommendations & What We Utilize

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Here at PUR-FORM, we recommend an atmosphere of approximately 1.7 to 2.0 for 90 minutes. We typically recommend a series of sessions five days a week, totaling 40-60 sessions.
  • Hydrogen Gas Therapy: We uniquely incorporate hydrogen gas therapy, which offers neuroprotective effects, reduces oxidative stress, and provides anti-inflammatory properties. Hydrogen gas is the only anti-inflammatory that can penetrate mitochondrial membranes, effectively targeting free radical generation. Research indicates possible benefits in memory, attention, and overall cognitive function, with some patients reporting improvements in headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Hydrogen gas also effectively reduces the oxidative stress associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
  • Nitric Oxide Stimulation: We use Neo40 in conjunction with HBOT treatments. As a potent vasodilator, Nitric Oxide (NO) enhances blood flow to the brain and improves oxygen delivery to injured tissues. The anti-inflammatory properties of NO may possibly also work synergistically with HBOT to reduce neuroinflammation, a critical factor in post-concussion symptoms. NO is also essential for the huge benefits of HBOT: NO is responsible for the vast release of stem cells from the bone marrow. Remember my saying, “Cells, not doctors, health patients.”
  • Xenon Gas Therapy: Xenon gas shows promising potential as a treatment for concussions. It has demonstrated significant neuroprotective properties in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other forms of acquired brain injury. Studies suggest that xenon can reduce early death, improve long-term conditions, and protect brain tissues following TBI in animal models. The gas works by inhibiting specific nerve cell receptors, which helps maintain healthy neuronal states after brain injury. 
  • Intravenous NAD⁺: NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) therapy shows potential promise in treating concussions due to its multifaceted effects on brain health and function. NAD⁺ plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, which is often disrupted after a concussion, and providing additional NAD⁺ could help restore normal energy metabolism in brain cells. Some other benefits NAD⁺ offers for concussion recovery are neuroprotective properties, enhanced DNA repair, anti-inflammatory effects, and its ability to improve mitochondrial health. We recommend incorporating methylene blue, known for its cognitive benefits and mitochondrial-boosting properties, to enhance NAD⁺ therapy. However, methylene blue inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production, so you must counteract this with NO stimulators like Neo-40. We also recommend doing red light therapy to increase NO production and for its other benefits like improving cellular health and enhancing blood flow to the brain. Here at PUR-FORM, we offer red light therapy, intravenous NAD⁺ , and intravenous methylene blue.
  • Cerebrolysin: This peptide treatment shows potential in treating concussions and other forms of TBI. Cerebrolysin has been shown to reduce inflammation, protect neurons, and promote neurogenesis after brain injury as a neuropeptide preparation with neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties. Cerebrolysin’s neuroprotective effects suggest it may also benefit milder forms of brain injury like concussions. Research indicates that Cerebrolysin is most effective when administered as soon as possible after injury occurs.

While these treatments show promise, concussion recovery is complex and no single supplement is likely to be a cure-all. A comprehensive approach is essential, including proper rest and gradual return to activities. Always seek guidance from medical professionals when dealing with head injuries. 

-Dr. P

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All our treatments are designed to reduce inflammation and address both internal and external signs of aging, promoting overall cellular health.
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