A stroke is one of those medical concerns that many people fear, and with good reasons. Stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, leaves survivors grappling with life-altering consequences. Along with an ocean of options when it comes to caring for the patient following a stroke and the pursuit of effective treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) emerges and gives patients and their families plenty of hope. This article delves into the mechanisms and benefits of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke patients, shedding light on how this innovative approach is revolutionizing care for patients following the incident of a stroke.
Understanding Strokes: What is a Stroke?
A stroke, which is characterized by the sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, can result in profound neurological deficits. Whether ischemic, which means the stroke was caused by blocked arteries, or hemorrhagic, meaning it is due to ruptured blood vessels, both types inflict considerable damage. Those who survive strokes often find themselves dealing with impaired motor function, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances – all of which significantly impact their quality of life.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a procedure that is done by exposing the patient in question to a small chamber of one hundred percent pure oxygen. The air pressure in the chamber is also raised to be higher than normal. This allows the oxygen to be breathed in by the patient, which in turn will move into the bloodstream. This will allow the pure oxygen to reach all the cells and areas of the brain and other vital organs, assisting them with healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for many years and has even been used to treat such concerns as decompression sickness. Recently, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a way to treat other illnesses has risen, and due to its effectiveness, it has been working for many patients worldwide.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke Patients
Clinical studies have shown promise in using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to aid in the repair of stroke-related problems. Research indicates that this therapy can enhance neurological recovery, improve functional outcomes, and reduce post-stroke complications, such as the inability to recall certain memories or the decline of verbal and motor skills.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has even been shown to give stroke patients their lives back by improving strength, motor skills, balance, coordination, verbal skills, and the ability to recall memories. The improvements made through the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be very beneficial to stroke patients, as they can offer the patient a much greater level of independence, allowing them to care for themselves, restore skills that were lost, and understand what is going on around them much more effectively.
There are several additional benefits of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shown in stroke patients, and these include the following:
- Improved oxygenation to cells
- A reduction in intracranial pressure
- Improved metabolic rate
- Inhibited post-stroke cell apoptosis and necrosis
- Better memory recollection
- Improved verbal communication
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
While there is always a risk of side effects, like with any medical procedure, it is very safe to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment is more beneficial to stroke patients than a risk, and many doctors believe that it has healing properties that are safe and effective in stroke patients. When administered by trained professionals in controlled settings, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is well tolerated and has little risk of significant adverse effects. It is non-invasive and can be a wonderful complement to other treatment methods to help further treat stroke complications.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a great way to complement the traditional treatment of stroke in most patients and is well tolerated and easy to administer, with many patients seeing results quickly.
If you would like to learn more about our state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment for many conditions, such as stroke, call the offices of Nenergy Boost today at 424-777-1996 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have, as well as get you scheduled with an appointment.