Heal The Warriors Project for Military and First Responders w/ mTBI

OVERVIEW: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also called concussion, and post traumatic stress (PTS) are the number one injuries sustained by military members and first responders. mTBI is caused by a jarring of the head possibly from a fall, explosion, repeated gunfire exposure or a blow to the head. The jarring causes damage to brain tissue, blood vessels and cells that link areas of the brain and the brain to the body. Symptoms include confusion, vertigo, sleep disturbance, memory loss, headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus, mood swings, anger, slowed thinking, depression and anxiety. Many veterans will not receive early diagnosis or will not seek treatment and in individuals with chronic, persistent symptoms of TBI, traditional medical interventions may be less than successful.

A complicating risk factor for mTBI is a person's lifetime accumulation of TBI events. Receiving multiple concussions has been associated with increased risk of suicide and greater risk of developing progressive neurodegenerative conditions, like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Parkinson's disease, as well as increased association between the two with increasing severity of TBI. (source: https://www.research.va.gov/topics/tbi.cfm). The VA released a study in 2013 that covered suicides from 1999 to 2010 which showed that roughly 22 veterans were committing suicide per day or 1 every 65 minutes.

Standard treatment for combat-related TBI does not include treatment for the actual brain injury. Drugs are prescribed to dull the symptoms and the brain continues to function improperly.

First Responders are suffering from depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and injury. First Responders incur multiple injuries and are exposed to primary and secondary trauma throughout their careers. Repeated exposure to trauma results in psychological distress similar to the traumatized victims. Preliminary results released in May 2022 by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police summarized answers from 2,635 first responders, or about 20% of all first responders across the state. Clinical scores revealed as much as 20% of officers who responded are experiencing moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety, post traumatic stress, problems with alcohol and thoughts of suicide.

Of law enforcement respondents who received scores of clinical significance, the vast majority did not have a formal diagnosis (69% for depression, 74% for anxiety, 73% for PTS).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Active duty, veterans and first responders diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post concussion syndrome.

MODES OF THERAPY:
At Heal the Warriors, we have developed a three-pronged approach to providing the care and resources our warriors and first responders (and their families) need to heal after mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress. We based these components upon on years of research and warrior interviews. We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biofeedback/neurofeedback and near infrared light therapy to ensure a comprehensive, individualized treatment protocol for patients who experience a constellation of Symptoms, which may include depression, anxiety, ASD, traumatic brain injury, cognitive decline, compassion fatigue, operator syndrome, post traumatic stress and trauma. An individualized protocol is developed by our licensed medical practitioners for each patient to include one or more modes of therapy.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY: The power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is in the processes that occur in the body when breathing 100% oxygen at simulated depths below sea level. It works at the mitochondrial level to “kick start” functionality and helps to reduce inflammation, create new blood vessels (angiogenesis), improve cellular functions and trigger the mobilization and growth of new stem cells.

HBOT has been used to treat decompression sickness for more than 75 years. It is used daily in hospitals to heal wounds. Here, we use HBOT to heal wounds in the brain and inside the body. Studies show the efficacy of HBOT for numerous other health conditions including depression, anxiety, symptoms of post traumatic stress and physical injuries. Additional research shows that HBOT used in conjunction with other brain therapies, such as biofeedback/neurofeedback, makes that therapy even more effective.

NEUROFEEDBACK/BIOFEEDBACK is a drug-free, non-invasive way to measure brainwave activity and treat common mental health challenges. Using QEEG, we can identify brain wave imbalances and irregularities. After careful analysis of the data, we can accurately address the irregularity in brainwave activity to effectively treat the condition. A 2022 retrospective study of 593 participants demonstrated the effectiveness of remote neurofeedback in improving depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. Neurofeedback has been used since the 1970’s as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of psychiatric disorders including generalized anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress and addictive disorders. Each emotion and behavior we have has associated brainwaves. Using QEEG, we can identify brain wave imbalances and irregularities. After careful analysis of the data, we can accurately address the irregularity in brainwave activity to effectively treat common mental health challenges or conditions. A 2022 retrospective study of 593 participants demonstrated the effectiveness of remote neurofeedback in improving depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.

The human brain is changeable, which means it will respond to conditioning. Through a series of neurofeedback sessions, the brain can learn how to self-regulate. It is similar to the idea of physical conditioning, where a person’s muscles grow stronger with repeated exercise. Click here to see a success story of how the military is testing the effectiveness of neurofeedback to treat concussion or mild traumatic brain injury in soldiers to improve emotional issues and sleep disturbance.

NEAR INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY is an adjunct therapy currently being used in clinical and home settings around the world. It triggers the release of nitric oxide from blood vessels and red blood cells. Nitric oxide causes local vasodilation that lasts several hours after the therapy session has ended. Vasodilation improves blood flow. Improving blood flow lessens pain and helps nerves to begin to carry sensations again.

COST:
HBOT: A medical intake is required by our hyperbaric medicine doctor at a cost of $175. The doctor will prescribe 40 one-hour sessions of 100% medical grade oxygen in a hard-shelled chamber five days a week (weekends off) for 8 weeks is considered a therapeutic treatment for TBI and PTS at a cost of $6000.

NEUROFEEDBACK/NEUROTHERAPY: Typical neurofeedback protocol for cognitive improvement for veterans and first responders with TBI and/or PTS includes patient intake, cognitive testing, psychological testing QEEG pre and post therapy, neurofeedback sessions (typically 30) done 2 to 3 times a week. Personal neurotherapy device and training for ongoing self care also provided if desired. Cost: $4400.

NEAR INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY has been proven to relieve pain, increase circulation, relax muscles, relieve muscle spasms and reduce inflammation. Both infrared and red light trigger the release of nitric oxide from blood vessels and red blood cells. Nitric oxide causes local vasodilation that lasts several hours after the therapy session has ended. Vasodilation improves blood flow. Improving blood flow lessens pain and helps nerves to begin to carry sensations again. We use FDA cleared devises. Typical protocol for pain and chronic conditions is between 24-36 treatments (20 minutes 3 or more times a week) at a cost of $500.

GOAL:
Our goal is to help 25 military members, veterans and/or first responders annually. The cost of all 3 therapies is $10,900 per patient x 25 = $272,500 for the project annually.