re: LSU, Miles seeking solutions to the concussion problem

Wow, that's a really great read and interesting idea. Thanks for posting.

I remember hearing something around Media Day about Miles and a hyperbaric chamber, but I guessed it was just another Miles-ism that the media runs wild with like his repelling down the building.

I have no clue about the science or medical accuracy of what they're claiming, but as Les says, it seems to make sense to a layman.

Really tough reading about Tolliver and Williford. Would be great if this led to some breakthroughs for these guys and so many other players that have suffered the way they have.

quote:

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Harch, who earned his M.D. from Johns Hopkins University, has been studying the healing qualities of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for nearly three decades. Most of his work aimed toward traumatic brain injury has occurred in the last 10 years.

“My argument is, if this works so well for severe (traumatic brain injury), why wouldn’t it work for acute concussion?” Harch asked.

Their findings are potentially revolutionary in the neurology field, which has traditionally looked at brain injuries as untreatable.

“We have been taught in neurology that there is nothing you can do for brain injury or stroke, and that’s for the better part of 100 years,” Harch said. “It’s finally changing now, as people are beginning to think the brain is no different from a heart, a kidney, a joint, any other organ. That, in fact, you can treat an injury to it.”

Does Harch believe his research can eliminate a problem that’s grown larger as it’s become more understood?

“I don’t believe, I know,” Harch said. “I will tell you unequivocally that this can and will prevent the downstream consequences if used judiciously and correctly. It truncates the injury process, so if done early on you can prevent much of the damage. You can stimulate repair.”

All of their studies have been done with veterans who were several months to several years removed from their brain injuries. They hope the results are even more pronounced if the injury is treated soon after it is incurred.

Williford, in Harch’s opinion, is treatable.

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