By definition, Hyperbaric means: more (hyper), pressure (baric). Therefore, HBOT is a therapy that utilizes oxygen under pressure. This is accomplished by placing the patient in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, such as the one from our clinic pictured above.
While we normally breathe oxygen at a concentration of 21%, a patient in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber breaths 100% pure oxygen under pressure. This pressure allows for oxygen to dissolve in the bloodstream, and diffuse into tissues such as lymph, and cerebrospinal fluids at concentrations not allowed under normal atmospheric conditions. The body’s blood and tissue oxygen concentrations may increase up to 20 times the normal level. For this reason, some hospitals use HBOT to aid in the healing of burn victims, people with slow-healing wounds, and reestablish oxygen to those who underwent severe carbon monoxide poisoning.
It was once thought that when a low oxygen state (ischemia) occurred to the brain, such as in a stroke, for any more than a few minutes, the brain cells die, leaving irreversible damage and possibly even brain death. However, recent evidence has proved that not all the cells die, but some live on in a state of low activity, just idling.
These idling neurons are what make up what is called the ‘recoverable brain.’
Using a sophisticated brain imaging technique called a SPECT Scan, doctors have been able to show that after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, these areas of recoverable brain wake up and start functioning again. This therapy has been a miracle for many patients and loved ones afflicted with a host of neurological conditions ranging from Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, and even Lyme Disease.
Through the use of hyperbaric oxygen, oxygen concentrations are increased to the point above what the blood could normally deliver to the brain, and the ‘recoverable brain’ cells are jump-started back to life!