An important pilot study for veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder is up and running safely again at Clark Memorial Health in Jeffersonville after a hiatus due to COVID-19. The Purdue Neurotrauma Group is leading this pilot study of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a therapy option for wounded veterans with TBI and PTSD.
Clark Memorial Health is the only provider in the state to be able to offer this program, which the Indiana General Assembly allotted funds for in 2017.
“We have the opportunity to help our veterans with PTSD and TBI,” says Bob Thacker, HBO safety director at Clark’s Wound Healing Center. “That opportunity is here, and they will also help future veterans. This is not happening in Kentucky or Ohio or anywhere, just in Indiana, so we don’t want them to miss this opportunity.”
Research studies using HBOT to heal brain injuries continue to mount evidence indicating that some patients recover enough to show improved quality of life as a result of the therapy. The treatment involves patients breathing 100% pure oxygen while inside a clear, pressurized treatment room (hyperbaric chamber). This “hyperbaric” (or high pressure) dose of oxygen helps blood carry more oxygen to organs and connective tissues to promote healing.
“We are excited to partner with Purdue University and help advance research on the safety, efficacy and healing power of HBOT for brain injuries,” said Mendy McIntosh, program director of the Wound Center.
Veterans interested in participating in this clinical trial should contact Mendy at 812-283-2850 / mendy.mcintosh@clarkmemorial.org or Bob at 812-283-2470 / bobby.thacker@clarkmemorial.org. Learn more about HBOT here.
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