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May 7, 2026Indian Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation0 citationsOpen Access

Consensus Guidelines for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Delphi Study from India

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RSRavi SankaranTSTarun SahniSVSrikant Venkatakrishnan

Key Points

  • This study aims to create consensus-based guidelines for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in traumatic brain injury tailored for India.
  • Modified Delphi technique with expert members of the Hyperbaric Society of India across four rounds.
  • Participants reviewed literature and rated proposed statements across rounds, including anonymous and open discussions.
  • Final consensus reached on 15 core guideline statements from 238 initial responses.
  • 15 guideline statements were developed addressing treatment parameters like pressure, duration, timing, and patient selection.
  • Guidelines demonstrate feasibility and value of HBOT across TBI severity levels, with benefits in cognition and intracranial pressure reduction.
  • The initiative supports further integration of evidence-based HBOT into neurorehabilitation practice.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown use in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Clear, context-specific guidelines are absent, particularly in resource-limited settings like India. There are over 1.6 million TBIs annually in India. There is growing interest in HBOT. This study aimed to develop the first India-specific consensus-based guidelines for its clinical use in TBI. Methods: A modified Delphi technique was employed, following the Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies checklist, engaging expert members of the Hyperbaric Society of India across four structured rounds. Participants reviewed literature, rated proposed statements and refined items through both anonymous and open discussions over four rounds. Results: From 238 initial responses, the panel distilled 42 items, ultimately reaching consensus on 15 core guideline statements. These address critical gaps left by global recommendations, including treatment pressure, duration, timing and patient selection. Results highlight the feasibility and value of HBOT across TBI severity levels, with demonstrated benefits in cognition, intracranial pressure reduction and survival. Conclusion: This initiative represents a vital step towards standardised HBOT use for TBI in India, providing actionable guidance for clinicians and supporting further integration of this evidence-based modality into neurorehabilitation practice.

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Cite This Study

Sankaran et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fc2c1f8b49bacb8b347bbehttps://doi.org/10.4103/ijpmr.ijpmr_68_25
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