HBOT and Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Strokes occur when a blood vessel is blocked or bursts suddenly. Brain cells are damaged and the corresponding parts of the body may become paralyzed or severely limited.

What HBOT can do

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can awaken dormant tissues, improve blood flow to the brain and reduce swelling in damaged areas. Research had shown HBOT to be effective in Stroke patients many show vast improvements in:

• speech
• memory and cognitive function
• vision
• balance

How it works

Medical researchers have discovered that while some of a stroke victim’s brain tissue may be damaged irreversibly, surrounding tissue is merely dormant and may be restored. These surrounding areas (the ischemic penumbra) are responsible for much of the disability present in stroke. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive these areas and dramatically restore functionality.

Often, the death of brain tissues may be accompanied by the swelling of tissue in the surrounding area. This results in restricted blood flow and decreased oxygen to the brain. HBOT allows oxygen to penetrate affected areas and decrease swelling in traumatized tissue. Oxygen is dissolved in the plasma and nourishes tissues, regenerating new blood vessels and aiding in the repair and restoration of glial cells, extracellular matrix and injured neurons.