The U.S. military is conducting experimental research on the use of pressurized chambers in order to treat traumatic brain injuries. The concept is based on exposing victims of traumatic brain injury to increased levels of oxygen, which can help the brain heal.

The pressurized chambers are the same as those used to treat scuba divers who suffer from decompression sickness. Patients inside the pressurized chamber are exposed to the same amount of pressure as being under 20 feet of water. The military has been tightlipped about the details of these experiments. Not much is known about the success of these treatments, or whether there will be any success at all.

While it is too early for California brain injury lawyers to determine if there will be any major developments from this research that might treat brain injury, there is reason to be hopeful. Some of the most promising research in brain injury treatment in recent years has come from the Department of Defense. The U.S. military is investing heavily in the treatment of traumatic brain injury, in order to cope with the large numbers of combat veterans suffering from these injuries. According to statistics, since 2003, more than 134,000 service members have come back from combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with brain injuries.

There is little that can be done to completely reverse a serious brain injury once it occurs, but emergency medical treatment can help limit the extent or severity of the injury. Additionally, over a period of time, a person may be able to regain some of his abilities through extensive rehabilitation and therapy.