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Stroke

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and remains the leading cause of permanent disability for adult patients with more than 800,000 cases annually. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) shows efficacy in promoting the prevention and treatment of stroke through several different mechanisms. HBO can be used as a prevention tool by stimulating angiogenesis, which leads to the formation of a higher number of circulatory pathways in the brain and potentially reduces the likelihood of stroke. At the same time, hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows benefits for stroke patients, since the weakened blood flow to the damaged brain tissue (penumbra) and its function are restored through the application of increased oxygen levels.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THE BENEFITS OF HBO IN PREVENTING AND ALSO TREATING POST-STROKE CONDITIONS DUE TO THE FOLLOWING EFFECTS

PREVENTION OF STROKE WITH HBO

  • Stimulates angiogenesis (new formation of blood vessels)
  • Improves atherosclerosis
  • Reduces oxidative stress in the brain
  • Helps the brain apply neuroprotective properties

TREATMENT AFTER STROKE WITH HBO

  • Faster overall recovery
  • Improves vision and speech
  • Improves fine/gross motor skills
  • Enhances the restoration of damaged tissue – penumbra (ischemic partial shade)
  • Stimulates the formation of blood vessels, enabling for faster regeneration
  • Promotes neurogenesis (neurone formation)
  • Promotes the production and mobilization of stem cells
  • Increases neuroplasticity
  • Improves spasticity

STUDY: IMPROVING NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION IN STROKE PATIENTS WITH HBO

In 2013, a prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted that looked at the use of HBO in stroke patients. The study included a total of 59 participants who had suffered a stroke between 6 and 36 months prior to joining the study and who had at least one motor dysfunction. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment and crossover groups. The treatment group received 40 one-hour therapy sessions administered by HBO over the course of 2 months. On the other hand, the crossover group was evaluated after one month without HBO administration and again after another month with HBO administration based on the same treatment protocol. The evaluating doctors found that neurological function, brain activity, and quality of life increased after HBO administration in all treated patients. Tomography imaging results directly correlated with clinical improvement and indicated that HBO may lead to major neurological improvements in stroke patients, even in late chronic stages. Observed clinical improvements suggest that neuroplasticity can be activated long after the onset of damage.