--- title: Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for COVID Long-Haulers Worth It? description: HBOT is effective in acute COVID treatment. But can it help COVID long-haulers? 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Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for COVID Long-Haulers Worth It? # Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for COVID Long-Haulers Worth It? ![Image of Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hubfs/Mark_150px.webp) Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D. • Updated on 22 February, 2024 • Medically Reviewed by [Dr. Alina Fong](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-alina-fong-phd) [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers&media=https://2921058.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2921058/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers&media=https://2921058.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2921058/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers.png) At the moment, treatment options for long COVID patients are limited. Many patients cope with their symptoms using existing medications or treatments targeting specific symptoms like headaches or sleep problems, but these efforts are just stopgaps. They don’t actually resolve the underlying cause of symptoms associated with long COVID. Researchers know there is a growing need to identify new and effective treatments for these patients. One of the options currently under assessment is called hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), where patients breathe high oxygen concentrations for short periods of time.  Using HBOT during acute COVID infection delivers extra oxygen to the brain, which seems to alleviate many of COVID’s cognitive and physical symptoms. However, HBOT may not continue to be beneficial for long COVID patients. Be cautious about using HBOT as a COVID long-hauler; research in this field is still very limited. It’s important to compare it with other treatment options available to you and to evaluate whether it is worth the cost.  In this article, we look at the research studies and clinical trials assessing HBOT for COVID patients and long-haulers, as well as the current limitations for this procedure. We include… - [What hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy) - [How HBOT helps COVID patients during the acute phase](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#hbot-and-covid) - [What the research says about using HBOT to treat long COVID ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#hbot-research) - [What limitations are associated with HBOT](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#hbot-limitations) - [How HBOT compares to physical exercise](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#hbot-vs-exercise) - [How we treat long COVID patients at Cognitive FX](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#cognitive-fx-treatment) *Of the COVID long-haulers who meet our screening criteria, over 90% show improvement after treatment at our clinic. Our long COVID patients report over 40% decrease in symptom severity in 13 symptoms after just one week of multidisciplinary therapy. To discuss your specific long COVID symptoms and whether you’re eligible for treatment at our clinic, *[*schedule a consultation*](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/post-covid-19-syndrome)*.* ## What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? ![A woman lying down inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber-1.jpeg?width=1000&height=668&name=hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber-1.jpeg) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for decades. In most applications, it involves stepping into a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and breathing pure oxygen in air pressure up to three times that of our atmosphere.  This procedure was originally developed to treat decompression illness in deep-sea divers (colloquially known as “the bends”). Decompression illness occurs when divers reach the surface too quickly and air bubbles expand in their bloodstream. HBOT “returns” the patient to the pressure (or, in other words, the depth) at which they were diving and then allows for a gradual return to normal values, slowly reducing the volume of the air bubbles.  Its use has since expanded to address other conditions. At the moment, [FDA-approved uses](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-get-facts) for HBOT include the following:  - Air and gas bubbles in blood vessels - Anemia (severe anemia when blood transfusions cannot be used) - Burns (severe and large burns treated at a specialized burn center) - Carbon monoxide poisoning - Crush injury - Gas gangrene - Hearing loss (complete hearing loss that occurs suddenly and without any known cause) - Infection of the skin and bone (severe and not responding to other treatments) - Radiation injury - Skin graft flap at risk of tissue death - Vision loss (when sudden and painless in one eye due to blockage of blood flow) - Wounds (non-healing, diabetic foot ulcers) Some researchers and physicians offer HBOT for conditions that the FDA has not approved. Off-label HBOT is sometimes offered for HIV/AIDs, migraines, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, heart disease, stroke, asthma, depression, spinal cord injury, sports injuries, and Alzheimer’s disease.  ## Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat Acute-Stage COVID-19 ![Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven value for acute COVID treatment, but researchers have only limited data on whether it helps COVID long-haulers.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber-2.jpeg?width=1000&height=667&name=hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber-2.jpeg) Initial medical interventions for COVID patients focused on treating breathing problems and the inflammatory response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. But for many patients with a severe COVID-19 infection, these interventions were not enough. In many hospitals, doctors were using ventilators at the highest settings possible but were still not achieving adequate blood oxygenation for many patients.** **Worryingly, oxygen saturation levels in the blood below 90% were [associated](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(20)30367-0/fulltext) with high mortality.  At this stage, doctors with experience in using hyperbaric chambers for other conditions started wondering whether HBOT could be used to treat hypoxic COVID patients. Soon, some clinics and hospitals started treating patients in the hope of overcoming their hypoxia and reducing the need for intubation.  One of the first [reported](https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/jowc.2020.29.Sup5a.S4) uses of HBOT in COVID patients was published back in May 2020. In this study, patients with severe cases of COVID received HBOT instead of mechanical ventilation. After only five sessions in a chamber, the patients experienced significant improvements in their breathing. Although the study included only five participants, the researchers involved in this work believed the results warranted further investigation.  Since then, there have been multiple studies with more participants looking at the efficacy of HBOT in COVID-19 treatment, with particular emphasis on patients with severe cases and those who needed mechanical ventilation. Taken overall, these studies show that HBOT can: - [Reduce](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32412891/) the need for ICU admission and mechanical ventilation  - [Reduce](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32412891/) shortness of breath - [Reduce](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32931666/) mortality in severe COVID patients - [Improve](https://www.uhms.org/uhm-search/uhm-journal-volume-47-2020/number-2/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-may-be-effective-to-improve-hypoxemia-in-patients-with-severe-covid-2019-pneumonia-two-case-reports.html) immune function  - [Improve](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/wasj.2021.132) oxygen saturation levels in the blood - [Clear](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/wasj.2021.132) lung abnormalities (detected by CT scans)  - [Reduce](https://www.longdom.org/open-access/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid19-patients-a-prospective-randomized-controlled-trial-90312.html) inflammation  In addition, there are several clinical trials testing different HBOT regimes currently underway in the U.S. and around the world. This includes, for example, a large multicenter trial enrolling participants in four major medical centers to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT for treating patients with moderate to severe respiratory distress due to the coronavirus (ClinicalTrials.gov Number: [NCT04619719](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04619719?term=NCT04619719&draw=2&rank=1)).  For over five decades, doctors have used HBOT to treat a variety of conditions. This technique is [safe](https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-019-0893-8) for patients, with few contraindications and side effects. As such, HBOT is becoming an attractive alternative to other oxygen delivery methods, such as ventilation, particularly in severe COVID cases. Patients in HBOT chambers can breathe normally, [avoiding](https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/5618-5623.pdf) invasive mechanical ventilation, which could cause serious side effects.  There is also some evidence that HBOT has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, and many [doctors](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/wasj.2021.132) believe this technique should be considered a valuable tool in managing some patients with COVID-19. However, more research is needed to fully understand how patients can benefit from this technique.  ## Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat COVID Long-Haulers ![Multiple people receiving oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/oxygen-therapy-in-hyperbaric-chamber.jpeg?width=1000&height=665&name=oxygen-therapy-in-hyperbaric-chamber.jpeg) One of the first [reported](https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/clinmedicine/21/6/e629) uses of HBOT to manage long haul COVID found promising results: Patients experienced improvements in fatigue and cognitive function, some of the most common symptoms associated with long COVID. The authors suggested HBOT helped reduce inflammation and promoted healing by increasing the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.  More recently, a team of researchers published a new [study](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0) suggesting that there’s more to HBOT than just increased oxygen flow. In these studies, the authors used MRI scans before and after treatment to detect whether a period in a hyperbaric chamber can actually change the brain of long COVID patients. Analysis of these scans revealed significant changes in several parts of the brain, which matched how symptoms improved for the patients after treatment. COVID long-haulers reported less pain and fatigue, as well as better cognitive skills, such as attention, memory, processing information, and executive functions. Patients also slept better and had fewer psychiatric symptoms. For example, the scans detected improvements in a zone of the brain called posterior corona radiata, which [explains](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666354621001903?via%3Dihub) the less severe symptoms of depression and anxiety after only a few sessions.  The authors suggested hyperbaric oxygen treatment promotes a mechanism in the brain called [neuroplasticity](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0053716), a process where the brain creates and reorganizes nerve cell connections after injury. In other words, HBOT led to significant changes in parts of the brain, which in turn resulted in improved function in the areas damaged by the COVID-19 virus.  HBOT may help these patients thanks to the [hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7355982/#!po=25.0000). In simple terms, inhaling massive amounts of oxygen for a short period and then breathing normal amounts afterward “tricks” the body into thinking it’s being deprived of oxygen. When our body detects a drop in oxygen levels, it [triggers](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1586/14737175.2014.884928) certain metabolic changes to help protect our internal organs. This [includes](https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/11/10/1520), among others, a boost in the immune system, increased breathing rates, and improved blood flow to all organs. It also reduces neuroinflammation and induces neurogenesis (formation of new nerve cells in the brain). For the authors, some or all of these mechanisms may explain the beneficial effects of HBOT in long COVID patients. ## Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy a Good Option to Treat Long COVID-19? ![A hyperbaric oxygen chamber](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber-3.jpeg?width=1000&height=618&name=hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber-3.jpeg) A growing number of providers are now offering HBOT as an alternative therapy to treat long COVID patients. It has even been branded a “miracle cure,” with hyperbaric chambers appearing in various locations throughout the country.  **However, is HBOT a good option for treating post-COVID-19 syndrome? **We believe it may be helpful for patients who have very specific causes of long-term COVID symptoms and may also be helpful for short-term symptom relief. But for most patients, we can’t recommend it due to the:  - Small number of studies that include only a limited number of participants - High cost of treatments - Lack of standardized treatment - Lack of suitability for every patient - Lack of FDA approval Once we’ve explained our reasoning, we’ll discuss the next key question, which is whether HBOT is more helpful for most patients than a readily available alternative: cardio exercise. ### Few Studies with Limited Participation While early results are important and point to some possible benefit to patients suffering from long COVID, they represent an initial evaluation. There have been only a few recent studies with a limited number of participants. In addition, these patients participated in short-term clinical trials. The researchers have not published data to show whether the reported improvements are maintained or disappear over time.  In our view, the initial results suggest that HBOT merits further research with larger and more rigorously designed studies. The technique has not been tested enough to be reliably used to treat long-haulers.  ### High Monetary Cost of Treatment  At the moment, many clinics charge tens of thousands of dollars to provide HBOT to long COVID patients. Some researchers believe the price barrier will eventually disappear if the technique works, but others aren’t convinced.  At Cognitive FX, we believe there are better options for the expense. For example, several types of therapy (such as [physical therapy for long COVID](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/physical-therapy-for-long-covid)) have produced good results and are less expensive.  [*You can learn more about our long COVID treatment program below. *](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#cognitive-fx-treatment) ### Lack of Standardized Treatment Methodology Furthermore, each provider will offer their own “recipe” in terms of the type of chamber used, pressure during treatment, duration, number of sessions, and other factors.  This approach makes it very difficult to determine whether a certain provider’s treatment method is effective. And in some cases, it may even render the HBOT useless. For example, some providers use “soft” or “mild” chambers, which typically cannot reach pressures higher than 1.4 atmospheres and, therefore, cannot provide reliable treatment.  ### Not Suitable for Many Long COVID Patients First, long COVID can have many causes. In some patients, long COVID may be caused when COVID reactivates dormant viruses. In others, it may come from autoimmune issues. In most patients, poor neurovascular coupling (discussed in detail in the next section) is a key contributor to symptoms. In these situations, HBOT is likely not a long-term solution. Studies have also not differentiated between patients who are recovering from severe COVID infections versus those who had only a mild case. Overall, there simply have not been enough clinical trials on long COVID patients to clearly determine which patients are likely to benefit from this treatment and which patients are not. Second, HBOT is not suitable for everyone. Patients with a cold, fever, and certain lung, ear, and eye conditions cannot safely receive HBOT. ### Treatment Is not FDA-approved The [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-get-facts) has approved HBOT for a variety of conditions, but at the moment, they have not authorized the use of hyperbaric chambers to treat COVID-19.  *Of the COVID long-haulers who meet our screening criteria, over 90% show improvement after treatment at our clinic. Our long COVID patients report over 40% decrease in symptom severity in 13 symptoms after just one week of multidisciplinary therapy. To discuss your specific long COVID symptoms and whether you’re eligible for treatment at our clinic, *[*schedule a consultation*](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/post-covid-19-syndrome)*.* ## Is HBOT More Effective Than Exercise? ![A young child is performing a Brock String Test](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brock%20String%20Test.jpeg?width=1000&height=595&name=Brock%20String%20Test.jpeg) Researchers have proposed that HBOT is helpful because it boosts oxygen in the brain. But there are two main issues with this hypothesis. First, extra oxygen in the brain is not necessarily beneficial for these patients. In many long COVID patients, a shortage of oxygen in the brain is not the problem. The problem is the brain’s ability to use that oxygen and other micronutrients efficiently when and where they’re needed.  In a healthy brain, a network of blood vessels transports oxygen and nutrients, delivering them to specific regions of the brain as needed. This partnership between blood vessels and neurons is called [neurovascular coupling (NVC)](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/neurovascular-coupling).  In most long COVID patients, NVC is disrupted. The delicate balance of communication between blood vessels and the neurons they supply doesn’t function correctly. While the associated brain tissues remain alive, they can’t always carry out their necessary functions. Flooding the brain with oxygen does not help the brain operate better over time if healthy NVC is not restored. Think of it like a car that’s supposed to be getting 40 mpg but is instead only getting 10 mpg. If you keep filling up the gas tank (in this example, analogous to HBOT), then you can force the car to run. But it’s not doing so efficiently, and you haven’t repaired the actual problem.  At Cognitive FX, we lead our patients through cardiovascular exercise to prepare the brain for therapy. Many people think that the increased blood flow to the brain is why exercise helps the brain recover from injury, but in many cases, patients actually have *too much* oxygen in their brains and aren’t able to use it properly due to poor NVC.  In reality, exercise is beneficial for two reasons: 1.  The release of helpful neurochemicals, and 2.  A dynamic called cerebral autoregulation Aerobic exercise [triggers the release](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33172145/) of chemicals such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which [improve](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30036102/) the brain’s ability to respond to therapy. Cerebral autoregulation is the system which controls how much blood flows into the brain. When a long COVID patient or someone else with a brain injury engages in exercise and their heart rate and blood pressure rise, too much oxygen is released into the brain. The brain stem flags this as an error and will attempt to adjust accordingly.  With repeated exercise (done safely under the supervision of trained therapists), the brain is more likely to regulate blood flow in a healthy manner. This contributes to the patient’s overall recovery. With that in mind, there’s a notable difference between the effect of HBOT — which only increases the oxygen concentration in the brain — and exercise, which promotes healthy release of neurochemicals and teaches the body to regulate blood flow in a healthier manner.  ## Treatment for Long COVID at Cognitive FX ![EPIC Treatment exercise with numbers on the wall](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EPIC%20treatment%20exercises%20Numbers%20on%20Wall.jpg?width=1999&height=1333&name=EPIC%20treatment%20exercises%20Numbers%20on%20Wall.jpg) Since the pandemic started, we’ve treated many COVID long-haulers at our clinic. Our patients experience significant improvements after treatment, although some symptoms improve faster than others. Before treatment starts, all patients undergo a **functional NeuroCognitive Imaging (fNCI) **scan. This brain imaging scan assesses function in 56 regions of the brain while the patient completes a series of cognitive tasks. The scan also allows us to evaluate the health of connections between these regions. In addition to the scan, patients complete a series of physical, visual, and cognitive tests.  ![Three Active Tasks > Real-Time Imaging > Scan Analysis](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Three%20Active%20Tasks%20%3E%20Real-Time%20Imaging%20%3E%20Scan%20Analysis.png?width=1999&height=1098&name=Three%20Active%20Tasks%20%3E%20Real-Time%20Imaging%20%3E%20Scan%20Analysis.png) **All of these results are then combined and used to design a custom treatment plan.** During treatment, patients cycle repeatedly through three stages: Prepare, Activate, and Recover. ![EPIC Treatment exercises at Cognitive FX](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EPIC%20Treatment%20exercises.jpeg?width=1264&height=1801&name=EPIC%20Treatment%20exercises.jpeg) - To **prepare** for therapy, patients alternate between short cardio sessions and measured breathing. This improves blood flow in the brain and [triggers the release](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33172145/) of chemicals such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which [improve](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30036102/) the brain’s ability to respond to therapy.  - The next step, **activate**, involves therapies such as physical, cognitive, occupational, vision, and vestibular therapy. These therapies are often combined. For example, patients may be asked to balance on a Bosu board (vestibular) while tossing a ball back and forth (vision and vestibular) and naming a city for each letter of the alphabet (cognitive).  - In between therapy sessions, patients **recover**. They might practice mindfulness or measured breathing, receive a neck and shoulder massage to relieve tension, or relax in a dark room while listening to an app that produces binaural beats. This app produces two close-but-not-the-same sound frequencies that the brain averages into one frequency, which encourages the brain to rest. At the end of treatment, patients undergo a second scan to monitor improvement. Patients also meet with our team to get their final assessment, a list of exercises to do at home, and referrals for any follow-up treatment.  ![COVID Symptom Improvement: Sleeping, Sadness, Irritability, Fatigue, etc.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/COVID%20Symptom%20Improvement.jpg?width=1313&height=1999&name=COVID%20Symptom%20Improvement.jpg) In the chart above, you can see average symptom decrease based on 47 patients at the end of one treatment week. Some symptoms, such as fatigue, improve more when the patient has time to rest at home. Therapy is hard work! Patients who continue their therapy assignments at home typically show continued improvement. ![EPIC Treatment exercises at Cognitive FX](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/epic-treatment-exercises-19.jpeg?width=1999&height=1284&name=epic-treatment-exercises-19.jpeg) You can learn more about what it’s like to receive treatment for COVID-19 at Cognitive FX [by reading about three members of the Sharp family](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-covid-sharp-family-story). They were some of the earliest patients in the U.S. to contract COVID and suffered from long-term symptoms for over a year before finding our treatment center. The family’s matron, Sarah Sharp, noticed a difference after just one day. *“I woke up, and I felt a mental clarity like I could see for the first time in 20 months. It's like getting glasses for the first time,” *she said. *“I could think clearly. I know it sounds weird to say that just after one day, but that's what it was. It turned my brain on.”* Both she, her daughter, and her son all experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life after treatment. ### Further Reading To learn more about the symptoms of long COVID and treatment options, see these posts: - [Post-COVID shortness of breath](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-long-does-covid-shortness-of-breath-last) - [Post-COVID brain fog](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/post-covid-brain-fog-treatment/) - [Post-COVID headaches](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-covid-headache-treatment) - [Post-COVID vision problems](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/blurry-vision-and-other-vision-problems-after-covid) - [Post-COVID memory problems](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/memory-loss-after-covid-19/) - [Post-COVID fatigue](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-long-covid-fatigue-lasts-what-it-feels-like-how-to-recover) - [Post-COVID body changes](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/post-covid-skin-rashes-weight-gain-body-odor-and-more/) - [COVID erectile dysfunction](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/covid-erectile-dysfunction/) - [Long COVID in children](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-covid-in-children-long-term-effects) - [How COVID causes POTS and dysautonomia](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-covid-pots-and-dysautonomia/) *To discuss your specific long COVID symptoms and whether you’re eligible for treatment at our clinic, *[*schedule a consultation*](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/post-covid-19-syndrome)*.* --- ![Image of Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark_150px.webp?height=150&name=Mark_150px.webp) ### About the author [Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) Dr. Mark D. Allen holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Johns Hopkins University and received post-doctoral training in Cognitive Neuroscience and Functional Neuroimaging at the University of Washington. As a co-founder of Cognitive Fx, he played a pivotal role in establishing the unique and exceptional treatment approach. Dr. Allen is renowned for his pioneering work in adapting fMRI for clinical use. His contributions encompass neuroimaging biomarkers development for post-concussion diagnosis and innovative research into the pathophysiology of chronic post-concussion symptoms. He's conducted over 10,000 individualized fMRI patient assessments and crafted a high-intensity interval training program for neuronal and cerebrovascular recovery. Dr. Allen has also co-engineered a machine learning-based neuroanatomical discovery tool and advanced fMRI analysis techniques, ensuring more reliable analysis for concussion patients. ## Related Posts ![Can’t Sleep After COVID? How to Treat COVID Insomnia](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cant-sleep-after-covid-how-to-treat-covid-insomnia.jpeg?height=175&name=cant-sleep-after-covid-how-to-treat-covid-insomnia.jpeg) ### Can’t Sleep After COVID? How to Treat COVID Insomnia (2026) ![Image of Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark_150px.webp?height=70&name=Mark_150px.webp) [Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) You lie awake at 2 a.m., exhausted but unable to sleep. When sleep finally comes, strange dreams jolt you awake. Morning arrives and you feel like you never rested at all. [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/cant-sleep-after-covid-how-to-treat-covid-insomnia) ![Cognitive FX’s Long Haul COVID Treatment Protocol](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/long-haul-covid-treatment-protocol.jpeg?height=175&name=long-haul-covid-treatment-protocol.jpeg) ### Cognitive FX’s Long Haul COVID Treatment Protocol ![Image of Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark_150px.webp?height=70&name=Mark_150px.webp) [Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) Most patients with COVID-19 recover within a few days or weeks after a brief acute infection. However,[about 10%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9839201/)experience long-term symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, headaches, shortness of... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-haul-covid-treatment-protocol) ![Long COVID Headache Treatments (Beyond Medication)](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/long-covid-headache-treatment.png?height=175&name=long-covid-headache-treatment.png) ### Long COVID Headache Treatment: Science-Backed Solutions That Actually Work 2026 ![Image of Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark_150px.webp?height=70&name=Mark_150px.webp) [Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) If you're reading this, you've probably tried everything for the headaches that won't quit since your COVID infection. Maybe it's been three months. Maybe it's been two years. You've likely cycled... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-covid-headache-treatment) ![How We Found a Viable Treatment for COVID-19 Long-Haulers](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20We%20Found%20a%20Viable%20Treatment%20for%20COVID-19%20Long-Haulers.png?height=175&name=How%20We%20Found%20a%20Viable%20Treatment%20for%20COVID-19%20Long-Haulers.png) ### How We Found a Viable Treatment for COVID-19 Long-Haulers | Cognitive FX ![Image of Dr. Alina Fong, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alina_150px.webp?height=70&name=Alina_150px.webp) [Dr. Alina Fong, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) Even after you've recovered from the acute symptoms of COVID-19, you might find yourself struggling with short-term memory loss, concentration issues, and other cognitive symptoms. If it's been weeks... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/covid-long-haulers-treatment) ![How Long COVID Shortness of Breath Lasts & What to Do About It](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/how-long-does-covid-shortness-of-breath-last-1.png?height=175&name=how-long-does-covid-shortness-of-breath-last-1.png) ### How Long COVID Shortness of Breath Lasts | Cognitive FX ![Image of Dr. Alina Fong, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alina_150px.webp?height=70&name=Alina_150px.webp) [Dr. Alina Fong, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) While recovering from COVID-19, you may find yourself getting breathless easily from activities that didn’t used to tire you, like carrying laundry or walking up the stairs.  [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-long-does-covid-shortness-of-breath-last) ![Long COVID in Children is Real and It Can Be Treated](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/long-covid-in-children-long-term-effects.png?height=175&name=long-covid-in-children-long-term-effects.png) ### Long COVID in Children is Real and It Can Be Treated ![Image of Dr. Alina Fong, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alina_150px.webp?height=70&name=Alina_150px.webp) [Dr. Alina Fong, Ph.D.](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd) When the pandemic started, we were told that children wouldn’t be seriously affected by the virus. And while most children only experience a mild version of the disease, evidence shows that some... [Read the full article ](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/long-covid-in-children-long-term-effects) #### Proven Results Improvement in 77% of Participants Published peer-reviewed research shows that Cognitive FX treatment leads to meaningful symptom reduction in post-concussion symptoms for 77% of study participants. Cognitive FX is the only PCS clinic with third-party validated treatment outcomes. [ READ FULL STUDY ](https://www.tvnp.nl/inhoud/tijdschrift_artikel/NP-19-2-3/Cognitive-FX-behandeling-voor-aanhoudende-klachten-na-een-hersenschudding-Observatie-van-verandering-in-functioneren) [![Main_Logo_500px](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Main_Logo_500px.png?width=257&height=78&name=Main_Logo_500px.png "Main_Logo_500px")](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com) Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment 280 W River Park Drive Suite 110 Provo, UT 84604 [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/cognitivefx) [Follow us on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/cognitive_fx) #### Quick Links - [Blog](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog) - [Sign-Up for Free Consultation](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/start-here-paperwork-old) #### Support - [Contact Us](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/contactus) - [Patient Results](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/treatment-outcomes) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/privacypolicy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/terms-and-conditions) #### Solutions - [Good Fit Quiz](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/start-here-paperwork-old) - [EPIC Treatment](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/treatment) - [Post-Concussion Syndrome Information](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/post-concussion-syndrome-and-post-concussion-symptoms-pcs) - [fNCI Brain Scan](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/about-fnci) - [Online Course](https://cognitivefx.thinkific.com/courses/headaches) #### Company - [About](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/research-history) - [Press & Media](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/media) - [Our Team](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/our-team) ### Sign Up For Our Newsletter Copyright © Cognitive FX 2024. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D.", "url" : "https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/author/dr-mark-allen-phd" }, "dateModified" : "2024-02-22T17:08:49.998Z", "datePublished" : "2023-05-08T15:38:06.000Z", "headline" : "Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for COVID Long-Haulers Worth It?", "image" : [ "https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hubfs/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-covid-long-haulers", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/hubfs/Cognitive-Final-Logo-BlBlk-Med.png" }, "name" : "Cognitive FX" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "about" : { "@type" : "MedicalCondition", "name" : "" }, "audience" : { "@type" : "Audience", "audienceType" : [ "patient", "caregiver" ] }, "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "affiliation" : { "@type" : "MedicalOrganization", "name" : "Cognitive FX", "url" : "https://www.cognitivefxusa.com" }, "name" : "Dr. Mark Allen, Ph.D." }, "dateModified" : "22 February, 2024", "datePublished" : "2023-05-08 15:38:06", "description" : "HBOT is effective in acute COVID treatment. 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