The Hurt Locker: Post-Oscar Stress Syndrome

Last night's top honors for The Hurt Locker, a film that successfully embeds the audience with an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit in Iraq, can only help build awareness and support for the real people who have suffered the physical and mental traumas of war. There has been some flak about the movie's authenticity. (See our favorite piece and amazing video explosions here.) But there's no questioning the larger role hyperbaric oxygen therapy might play in soldiers' recovery. In the past couple months we've been following progress in new clinical studies of HBOT for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and new funding for veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will continue our coverage of this vital topic, with a new condition page for PTSD and the occasional push for a TBI indication.

Why Congressional Action Is So Timely

The Atlantic today reminds us that soldiers in Afghanistan face a mounting risk of injury from improvised explosive devices. Indeed there'll be no end to IEDs anytime soon. All the more reason for swift action on Pete Sessions's VA initiative. Have another look at that Brain Storm film, while you're at it, and some choice Congressional testimony on this vital matter.

Congress Looking Into More HBOT In VA Hospitals

Today the US House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill by written by Texas congressman Pete Sessions to recognize and report the results and planned expansion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Veterans Affairs facilities.

Thousands of our brave servicemen and women are returning from combat with severe limb injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, resulting in an inability to hold a job, properly care for their families, or, in some cases, overcome suicidal tendencies,” stated Sessions. “As a nation, we have the responsibility for their care and recovery, and I am particularly encouraged with the potential of expanding hyperbaric therapy to treat brain-injured soldiers suffering from TBI and PTSD.”

Read the entire press release here. Special thanks and congratulations to the International Hyperbaric Medical Association for so tirelessly lobbying for this encouraging legislative action.