Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, potentially aiding stroke recovery. By increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, HBOT promotes tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and supports neurological repair. In this article, we would discuss the safety and efficacy of HBOT for stroke.

Does hyperbaric chamber work for stroke?

Yes, research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) holds promise for stroke patients in the chronic stage. HBOT may enhance brain activity, improve daily functioning, and increase quality of life. This therapy increases oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue, promoting healing and supporting neurological recovery. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy definitively.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works for stroke by increasing oxygen delivery to the brain, which is crucial for tissue repair and neurological recovery. During HBOT sessions, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This elevates oxygen levels in the bloodstream, even reaching areas with compromised blood flow due to stroke-induced damage.

Benefits of hyperbaric chamber for stroke

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers several potential benefits for stroke patients:

1. Increased Oxygen Delivery: HBOT delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the brain, even to areas with reduced blood flow due to stroke-related damage. This promotes cellular metabolism, supports tissue repair, and aids in neurological recovery.
2. Neuroprotection: Oxygen is crucial for neuronal survival. HBOT helps protect neurons from further damage by supplying them with ample oxygen, potentially limiting the extent of injury and promoting tissue preservation.
3. Angiogenesis: HBOT stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in the brain, improving blood flow to areas affected by the stroke. Enhanced blood supply facilitates nutrient and oxygen delivery, promoting tissue healing and regeneration.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Stroke triggers an inflammatory response in the brain, which can exacerbate tissue damage. HBOT has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and potentially minimizing secondary injury mechanisms.
5. Neuroplasticity: HBOT may enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. This can facilitate functional recovery by enabling the brain to compensate for damaged areas and improve neural communication.
6. Functional Improvements: Studies have shown that HBOT can lead to improvements in neurological function, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and quality of life for stroke survivors. These functional gains may result from the combined effects of increased oxygen delivery, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity facilitated by HBOT.

Side effects of hyperbaric chamber for stroke

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects and risks associated with its use for stroke patients. These include:

1. Barotrauma: Changes in pressure, particularly during descent or ascent in the hyperbaric chamber, can cause barotrauma, leading to ear or sinus pressure injuries. This can result in ear pain, ringing in the ears, or sinus discomfort.
2. Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing high concentrations of oxygen under increased pressure can lead to oxygen toxicity. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, twitching, seizures, or changes in vision. Oxygen toxicity is more likely with prolonged or repeated HBOT sessions at high pressures.
3. Claustrophobia: Some stroke patients may experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety while inside the hyperbaric chamber, particularly if they are uncomfortable with confined spaces. This psychological discomfort can make the HBOT experience distressing for some individuals.
4. Fatigue and Decompression Sickness: After HBOT sessions, stroke patients may experience fatigue, lightheadedness, or a feeling of “being off balance.” In rare cases, decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” can occur when ascending too quickly from high pressure to normal pressure. Symptoms may include joint pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or neurological symptoms.
5. Fire Hazard: Oxygen supports combustion, so there is a risk of fire inside the hyperbaric chamber if proper safety precautions are not followed. Smoking, using electronic devices that generate sparks, or bringing flammable materials into the chamber should be strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Hadanny A, Rittblat M, Bitterman M, May-Raz I, Suzin G, Boussi-Gross R, Zemel Y, Bechor Y, Catalogna M, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions of post-stroke patients – a retrospective analysis. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2020;38(1):93-107. doi: 10.3233/RNN-190959. PMID: 31985478; PMCID: PMC7081098.

Gonzales-Portillo, B., Lippert, T., Nguyen, H., Lee, Y., & Borlongan, C. V. (2019). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A new look on treating stroke and traumatic brain injury. Brain Circulation, 5(3), 101-105. https://doi.org/10.4103/bc.bc_31_19