HBOT & Stroke Treatment

The theory of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for strokes is that increasing the supply of oxygen to the parts of the brain affected by stroke may reduce the extent of irreversible damage. Hyperbaric oxygen has been used since 1965 for the treatment of stroke patients.

Most strokes are caused by impairment of blood flow to the brain (called ischaemia) which results in a reduction in oxygen available. This causes subsequent cell death. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may reduce the volume of brain that will die by greatly increasing the oxygen available as well as reducing brain swelling.

According to a paper submitted by David A. Steenblock, BS, MS, DO to the National Stroke Association Conference in Boston (1997): "Those brain areas that are injured and are not receiving enough blood flow as a result of the stroke or trauma are now referred to as the 'ischemic penumbra.' This is the area that surrounds the central core of infarcted (dead) tissue. These 'rim' tissues do not receive enough oxygen to function but do receive enough to stay alive. These brain cells have been described as 'sleeping beauties,' 'sleeping neurons,' or 'dormant' or 'idling neurons.' These neurons are nonfunctional but anatomically intact and can be revived."

Steenblock goes on to say, "some of the brain cells are sick and just like we do when we are sick, we want to lie down and not do anything. You also tend to be more grumpy, tired and irritable than otherwise. These sick brain cells often are responsible for the stroke or TBI patient being grumpy, irritable, fatigued, depressed, etc. because cells in the emotional and cognitive areas of the brain are not functioning effectively."

Hyperbaric oxygen helps improve the condition of stroke patients by and repairing and generating new blood vessels to the parts of the brain that have been injured--the "sick" cells. Once the damaged tissues no longer suffer from a lack of oxygen, they can begin to heal and repair themselves.

If you're a stroke victim and are considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you can be tested to determine if you are a candidate. A 3-D SPECT scan (single photon computerized tomogram) for determining cerebral blood flow is available at most hospitals. If test results show diminished brain blood flow, you have a good chance for significant improvement with hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

Contact us if you'd like more information or to schedule a consultation concerning treating your stroke with HBOT.

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