HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that delivers 100% Oxygen to a patient under greater than normal atmospheric pressure, enabling the bloodstream to carry healing amounts of oxygen to organs and tissues in the body.
Benefits of HBOT Therapy for Closed Head Brain Injury
Damage from a closed head brain injury often occurs because many of the capillaries surrounding the injured area become torn, causing swelling. This reduces blood flow in the affected areas. Reduced blood flow means a reduction of essential nutrition, most vitally oxygen, and a build-up of waste products. This shuts down normal cell function and further blocks pathways.
Surrounding the original injury is damaged tissue, referred to as the “ischemic penumbra.” The cells in this area may contain idling neurons that have become lethargic and non-functional but remain viable due to low oxygen levels. These cells have the potential to be restored to normal or near-normal function.
(see Idling Neurons article)
Restoring Function to the Brain
New blood vessels form when 100% Oxygen is delivered to the brain. This also forces oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the damaged tissue. The neurons can gradually reconnect, restoring function to these areas of the brain.
The American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration approve hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the treatment of a variety of conditions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Is administered to patients In a pressure-controlled setting known as a hyperbaric chamber. Inside the chamber, pressure is increased to an equivalent of 16.5 feet below sea level for brain injury patients. 100% Oxygen flows into a comfortable, roomy, transparent hood, which the patient wears over his or her head. (Click here to view Chico Hyperbaric Center)
During the treatment—typically 60 to 90 minutes—the patient can watch TV, read a book, or just relax. When the prescribed time has elapsed, the chamber is decompressed over a 5 to 10 minute period, and the patient may then leave.
The number of oxygen molecules entering the bloodstream is increased by up to 2000% during a session, allowing oxygen to reach injured areas that are not normally accessible to red blood cells, the body's natural delivery system.
History of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Pressurized oxygen became popular throughout Europe in the 1800s. It was so popular in France that the nation became the world leader in its use. In North America, the first hyperbaric chamber opened in Ontario, Canada, in 1869. A year later, one opened in New York. The U.S. military began using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat decompression sickness in deep-sea divers after World War I. Then, in the 1950s, cancer researchers used hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Their clinical trials uncovered a number of benefits from increased levels of oxygen.
Today, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, alone or in combination with other therapies, continues to grow in popularity as a cost-effective, life- and limb-saving treatment.
HYPERBARIC RESOURCES
Idling Neurons
Brain Injury and Recovery with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Brain Damage and Hyperbaric Oxygenation
“Mild Head Injury” May Be an Oxymoron
From Life Extension Magazine, July 1999 Brain Injury Improves with Hyperbaric Oxygen
How is Hyperbaric Oxygen Administered?
Chico Hyperbaric Center
Stoke and Traumatic Brain Injury
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy by Richard A. Neubauer, MD and Morton Walker, DPM
Studies for Brain Damage and HBOT |
