Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help stroke victims?
Stroke is a major public health concern worldwide, with millions of people affected each year. More specifically:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the US and a leading cause of long-term disability. Every year, approximately 795,000 people in the US have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first-time strokes, and 185,000 are recurrent strokes.
- Stroke is also a significant public health issue in Europe. According to the European Stroke Organization, it is estimated that over 1 million people in Europe have a stroke each year. In the European Union (EU), stroke is responsible for over 460,000 deaths annually.
- The global burden of stroke is significant, with an estimated 14 million people having a stroke each year. According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. In low- and middle-income countries, the majority of strokes occur in people under the age of 70, while in high-income countries, the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 70.
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Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help stroke victims?
Stroke is the result of a disruption of blood flow to the brain and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves exposing the body to high levels of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. In recent years, HBOT has been the subject of growing interest as a potential treatment for stroke victims.
HBOT works by increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, which in turn stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the brain and improves circulation. This can help to reduce swelling, minimize damage, and promote healing in the aftermath of a stroke.
There is a growing body of research that supports the use of HBOT for stroke recovery. Here are some of the most notable findings from the scientific literature.
HBOT had a significant impact on the cognitive function of stroke victims
A research study published in the Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience journal, was conducted to examine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on stroke victims.
The study included 162 patients with an average age of 60.75 years old, with most of them being male.
The study found that HBOT had a significant impact on the cognitive function of all the patients, with 86% of the stroke victims showing improvement.
It was also found that the type, location, and side of the stroke did not have a significant impact on the improvement seen with HBOT, but rather the baseline cognitive function was a better predictor of improvement.
In simpler terms, the study found that HBOT can help improve the cognitive function of stroke victims, regardless of the type, location, or side of the stroke.
Mr. Jones Journey to Regaining Independence After Stroke
An article published in NeuroNews mentions a patient named Mr Jones who was treated at Aviv Clinics for a stroke he suffered eight years prior. He was unable to walk and needed help from his wife for daily activities.
During his assessment, he was only able to walk 30 feet in a minute and 37 seconds. He underwent HBOT treatments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychological training, and dietitian coaching for 12 weeks and 60 sessions.
After the treatment, his brain scan showed a 20% improvement in the metabolic function of the area affected by the stroke. His cognitive abilities improved, especially in memory, attention, and executive function.
His physical performance improved greatly, allowing him to walk without assistance up to 86 feet in two minutes.
As a result, he was able to regain his independence and no longer needed his wheelchair. He and his wife were thrilled with the improvement.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Adjunctive Treatment for Acute Stroke
A recent study looked at two patients who had blocked blood flow to the brain due to a stroke.
In both cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used along with other treatments. In one patient, the therapy helped improve paralysis after just six minutes.
In the other patient, it helped with speech problems and paralysis, and the therapy was given in intervals over the first nine days after a surgery to restore blood flow.
The study shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a useful addition to treating blocked blood flow in the brain soon after a stroke.
A 62-Year-Old Woman Improves After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Acute Stroke
A woman in her 60s had a big stroke and wasn’t able to get the usual treatments like medicine or a mechanical procedure.
She was given hyperbaric oxygen therapy a few times in the first two weeks after her stroke.
The scans of her brain after the therapy showed improvement, and she got better over time, with even more improvement at her 6-month checkup.
The study concludes that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a useful treatment for certain stroke patients, but more research is needed to know for sure.
KEY TAKEAWAY
While the evidence is promising, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of HBOT for stroke victims. Some experts caution that HBOT should not be considered a cure-all, and that it is best used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions.
What causes strokes?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. This type of stroke accounts for about 87% of all strokes. There are two main causes of ischemic stroke:
- Thrombotic stroke: This occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The clot may be caused by fatty deposits that accumulate in the artery, known as atherosclerosis.
- Embolic stroke: This occurs when a blood clot forms elsewhere in the body, such as in the heart, and then travels to the brain, where it blocks blood flow.
Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain, which can occur as a result of a ruptured blood vessel or an aneurysm (a weakened area in a blood vessel that bulges out and can burst). Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of all strokes.
Other factors that can increase the risk of stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of heart disease or stroke, and physical inactivity. Other factors, such as age, gender, and family history, may also play a role.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing any underlying health conditions can help reduce the risk of stroke.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Having A Stroke?
Strokes can be devastating, but there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some tips to help you avoid having a stroke:
These are just a few of the steps you can take to reduce your risk of stroke. By making small changes to your lifestyle and working with your healthcare provider, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this devastating condition.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment for stroke victims is a promising area of research.
While more studies are needed to fully understand its benefits, early results suggest that HBOT may help to reduce the severity of symptoms and promote healing after a stroke.
However, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine if HBOT is right for you, and to ensure that it is used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
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