Research institute hopes to offer hyperbaric oxygen treatment for vets with PTSD

ISSAQUAH, Wash.

Marine Sgt. Jeff Brennan returned from the Gulf War in 1992, and since then has been battling daily symptoms resulting from a traumatic brain injury andpost-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

While in combat, and on the training field, Brennan suffered several head injuries. The worst came from a 75-foot fall off a repel tower.

When I hit the ground they said I bounced three times and completely blacked out," Brennan said. "I had a fracture in my face. I have a portion of my brain that has been diagnosed as dead. There is no activity whatsoever.

The Marine Corps vet now has to use Post-It notes to remember simple daily tasks, and plans his day around when he takes his pain medication.

After years of counseling and anti-depressants, Brennan is beginning a new form of treatment in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Restorix Research Institute in Issaquah. Patients go into the chamber for 60 minutes. Inside, they breathe 100 percent oxygen. The treatments are given five days a week for one to four months, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

The treatment helps to repair damaged parts of the brain, said Dr. Latisha Smith.

What we try to do is stimulate the connections among the neurons so they function again," Smith said. "Then youre able to make short-term memories and do abstract thinking.

There are 1,000 people taking part in the National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation study, but Brennan is the first veteran.

It could actually revitalize these portions of my brain and wake it back up again. I cant tell you how exciting this is, said Brennan.

Continued here:
Research institute hopes to offer hyperbaric oxygen treatment for vets with PTSD