Stroke

There are over 50,000 strokes in Canada each year. That’s one stroke every 10 minutes. 80% of strokes are ischemic caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot. Blood (hemoglobin) is the main carrier of oxygen. In normal situations hemoglobin is 97% to 98% saturated with oxygen.

The lack of oxygen to the brains cell causes the cells to swell and ultimately break-down and allow fluid to move into the surrounding tissue, damaging previously “normal” cells. As this process continues, so does the damage resulting in a condition referred to as ischemic penumbra. Ischemic penumbra, contributed up to 85% of the disability resulting from stroke. By oxygenating the of the areas surrounding the damaged neurons, you are limiting further brain damage by improving cerebral oxygenation, relieve brain edema, prevents further blood clotting and reduces neuronal swelling. Though the use of HBO therapy these parts of the brain can heal and reestablish the brains lost connections.

Some reported benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment for stroke:

Reduces stroke recurrences
Relieves muscle spasticity and increases muscle strength
Improves mobility and fine motor function
Increased physical/exercise capacity
Improves walking and balance
Improves sensitivity
Improves mental function including speech and memoryImproves visual acuity
Improves bowel and bladder control and reduces sexual deficit Articles, Studies & Additional Information Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Hope for Stroke Victims Click here for full article Cerebral Oxygenation and the Recoverable Brain Click here for full study Management of Haemorrhagic Stroke with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - A Case Report Click here for full study Hyperbaric Oxygen Offers New Hope for Stroke Victims Click here for full article Hyperbaric Oxygenation as an Adjunct Therapy in Strokes due to Thrombosis Click here for full article Reversibility of the Chronic Post-Stroke State Click here for full article The Improvement of Speech and Language Deficits in 3 Aphasic Stroke Patients by HBO Therapy Click here for full study Dr. Julian Whitaker's - Stroke & HBOT Click here for page 1 Click here for page 2 Click here for page 3