VA tests new therapy for traumatic brain injury patients

According to a report on Military.com, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki has approved the purchase of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The chamber will be used in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients at the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center.

Shinseki reportedly said, "The VA will use this as a test in treating TBI patients to determine if there is any value in the use of the chamber as a method of patient care. We don't know if it will result in any medical value, but if it helps our veterans feel better, that is good."

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used by civilian doctors in the treatment of blast-injured service members. Doctors following a certain HBOT protocol successfully treated 28 veterans, yet the VA has not implemented HBOT as a therapy for a severe medical condition that has been labeled as the "signature injury" of the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict.

Traumatic Brain Injury victims can suffer severe long-term effects such as post-concussion syndrome, which results in changes in cognition and personality. If you've been diagnosed with TBI or suspect that you have disabling side-effects from a blow to the head, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.