Traumatic Brain Injury & PCS
From Injury to Recovery: Understanding TBI and Post-Concussion Symptoms
After a head injury – whether from a car accident, sports injury or fall – most children recover within a few weeks. But for some, symptoms linger – this is known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). These symptoms can range from headaches, brain fog, and sleep issues to emotional changes, learning difficulties, and social withdrawal.
At The Brain & Performance Centre – A DP World Company, we understand how overwhelming this can be for parents. With the right support—cognitive, physical, and behavioural—children can make meaningful progress. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy also plays a key role by helping the brain heal at a deeper level.
If your child is still struggling after a concussion, we’re here to help. Book a private consultation and discover a personalized path to recovery.
How The Brain & Performance Programme Can Help
At The Brain & Performance Centre – A DP World Company, we first diagnose the severity of the brain injury using advanced brain imaging, neurological and neuropsychological tests and physical assessments, to assess and quantify the levels of impairment and your child’s suitability for HBOT treatment.
We then advise on a HBOT treatment plan.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a common treatment for medical conditions associated with a lack of oxygen and reduced healing capacities, and research shows that it can help with the healing of brain injuries.
Personalised Programme for your child's needs
HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a special room known as a HBOT suite. This, combined with the elevated pressure in the suite increases the amount of oxygen in the blood several fold, which helps to repair damaged tissue, regenerate and heal faster.
The Brain & Performance Program combines two processes that help TBI patients.
First – We increase the oxygen levels in the body, giving your child’s brain the needed tools to repair the damaged brain tissue. Then – we prepare a bespoke follow-up program stimulating cognitive and physical improvements.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Healing?
How it works
At The Brain & Performance Centre - A DP World Company, we treat TBI using a specific research-based HBOT protocol. The Brain & Performance Protocol is based on over a decade of research with proven clinical results and the first in the world randomised and controlled trial in paediatrics. Our program includes:
This includes the most advanced brain imaging tests suited to your child needs, such as SPECT and high resolution MRI.
During the program, your child will have weekly/biweekly appointments with our specialists (pediatric neurologist, physical therapist, pediatric neuropsychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist), as well as customized sessions for parents.
We’ll provide a comprehensive medical report summarizing all of the changes that occurred throughout your child’s treatment, supervised and signed by the professional healthcare team led by our Chief Medical Doctor.
Start Your Child's Healing Journey
Groundbreaking clinical trial shows remarkable results for kids with TBI
A new study published in Scientific Reports shows that a unique hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol used by The Brain & Performance Centre is a highly effective treatment for healing damaged brain tissue and relieving ongoing post-concussion symptoms.
The study found that participants in the treatment group experienced a significant increase in cognitive function. This included an improvement in their general cognitive score, improvement in memory, and executive function, following the HBOT treatment. Additional improvements included a positive change in brain activity, and an enhanced emotional score covering issues such as anxiety, depression and more.
If your child experienced a concussion or TBI and is still suffering symptoms months or years after the injury, we may be able to help.
FAQ about TBI and PCS
What is a Traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
TBI is sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Common causes include road accidents, falls, concussions and sports injuries. Mild cases of TBI affect the brain temporarily.
More serious injuries can lead to long-term health complications such as difficulty thinking and remembering, loss of motor skills, sleep disruption, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and more.
TBI damages the brain by disrupting or restricting blood flow to certain brain regions, which impacts their ability to function properly.
What are the common causes of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
Common causes of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions in teens include car accidents, falls, sports activities such as football and basketball, bicycle accidents, and physical abuse.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
When the symptoms of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) persist past the point of normal recovery — one to two months — the condition is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). This chronic condition results from micro damage to the small blood vessels and nerves in the brain. PCS can cause multiple physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that can persist for years if not properly diagnosed.
What are the Chronic Symptoms of PCS?
Not all PCS patients experience the same chronic symptoms, and different symptoms may present at different times. Common symptoms of PCS include: Dizziness, headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, fatigue, trouble falling asleep, short-term memory loss, forgetfulness, lack of focus, irrational anger and anxiety.
If left untreated, PCS can exacerbate mental health issues, increase psychiatric hospitalization, and cause self-harm.
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help with cerebral palsy?
Symptoms of TBI can be grouped into four phases: immediate (at the time of injury and within the first 24 hours), acute (1-7 days), subacute (1-4 weeks), and a chronic (more than 4 weeks). In most cases that don’t require surgery, symptoms improve with rest and basic treatments such as over the counter painkillers, within three months.
However, in some, symptoms linger, this is known as Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS). Milder forms of PCS may include persistent headaches, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, academic struggle, and sleep problems. Moderate to severe cases may show emotional liability, cognitive slowing, attention deficits, social withdrawal, and more severe anxiety and depression.
Clear, Proven Research TBI and HBOT
Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Chronic Neurocognitive Deficits of Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Retrospective Analysis
Hadanny, A., S. Abbott, G. Suzin, Y. Bechor, and S. Efrati.
- BMJ Open 8
- no. 9 (Sep 28 2018): e023387.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Improve Post Concussion Syndrome Years after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury – Randomized Prospective Trial
Boussi-Gross, R., H. Golan, G. Fishlev, Y. Bechor, O. Volkov, J. Bergan, M. Friedman, D. Hoofien, N. Shlamkovitch, E. Ben-Jacob, and S. Efrati.
- PLoS One 8
- no. 11 (2013): e79995
Role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in severe head injury in children
Advait Prakash, Sandesh V. Parelkar, Sanjay N. Oak, Rahul K. Gupta, Beejal V. Sanghvi, Mitesh Bachani, and Rajashekhar Patil
- ePub
- 2012 Jan-Apr