Strokes can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your brain and this may exert dangerous effects on the body. The amount of oxygen reaching the brain can be improved via hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment was reported by several researchers to deal with stroke related challenges while improving symptoms. In this article, we would look at the possible roles of HBOT in stroke and its possible side effects on users.

Does hyperbaric chamber work for stroke recovery?

A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device designed to administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT is a treatment modality that involves delivering 100% pure oxygen to patients in a pressurized environment. The hyperbaric chamber creates an atmosphere where the air pressure is higher than normal atmospheric pressure, allowing individuals to breathe in oxygen at levels greater than what is typically available at sea level.

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to oxygen deprivation and damage to brain tissue. The resulting neurological deficits can have lasting effects on motor function, speech, cognition, and other aspects of daily life.

Over the years, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been explored as a potential treatment for stroke victims and stroke recovery. Several research studies have attested to how HBOT may play important roles in post-stroke recovery. It was identified to play significant roles in repairing mechanisms in the brain. People who used HBOT for post-stroke recovery regained their speech and reading capabilities, had restored motor function even with paresis. Other possible roles of HBOT in stroke recovery may include promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt).

Benefits of hyperbaric chamber for stroke victims/stroke recovery

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers several potential benefits for stroke victims and individuals undergoing stroke recovery. While further research is needed to fully establish its efficacy in this context, HBOT has shown promise in improving various aspects of stroke rehabilitation. Some potential benefits of hyperbaric chambers for stroke victims and stroke recovery include:

1. Enhanced Oxygenation: HBOT delivers high concentrations of pure oxygen under increased pressure, resulting in greater oxygenation of tissues, including the brain. Improved oxygen delivery to areas affected by stroke can support cellular metabolism, promote tissue repair, and aid in the recovery process.
2. Pain Relief: Some stroke survivors may experience chronic pain or discomfort as a result of their condition. HBOT has been reported to provide pain relief by reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing, and releasing endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones, in some individuals.
3. Neuroprotection: HBOT has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, helping to preserve brain tissue and prevent further damage following a stroke. By reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death), HBOT may help limit the extent of neurological deficits and promote neuronal survival in stroke victims.
4. Angiogenesis and Neovascularization: HBOT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and enhances blood flow to ischemic areas of the brain. Improved vascularization can enhance nutrient and oxygen delivery to damaged tissue, promote tissue repair, and support neurovascular remodeling, which may aid in stroke recovery.
5. Reduction of Cerebral Edema: HBOT has been shown to reduce cerebral edema (brain swelling) following stroke, potentially alleviating intracranial pressure and improving cerebral perfusion. By decreasing edema and mitigating secondary injury mechanisms, HBOT may contribute to better outcomes and faster recovery in stroke victims.
6. Anti-inflammatory Effects: HBOT exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, modulating the inflammatory response in the brain post-stroke. By reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting anti-inflammatory mediators, HBOT may help dampen neuroinflammation, minimize tissue damage, and create a more favorable environment for recovery.
7. Enhanced Neuroplasticity: HBOT may enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt following injury. By promoting synaptic remodeling, axonal sprouting, and functional reorganization, HBOT may facilitate neural repair, restore lost function, and improve functional outcomes in stroke survivors.
8. Reduction of Functional Impairments: HBOT has been associated with improvements in motor function, sensory function, cognitive function, and quality of life in stroke survivors. By addressing multiple aspects of stroke-related disability, HBOT may help individuals regain independence, mobility, and overall functioning.
9. Adjunctive Therapy: HBOT can be used as an adjunctive therapy alongside standard stroke rehabilitation interventions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and pharmacotherapy.

Side effects of hyperbaric chamber for stroke victims

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe when administered by qualified healthcare professionals, there are potential side effects and risks associated with the treatment, particularly for stroke victims or individuals with neurological conditions. It’s important for patients and their healthcare providers to be aware of these potential side effects and take appropriate precautions. Some possible side effects of hyperbaric chamber therapy for stroke victims may include:

1. Barotrauma: Changes in pressure during hyperbaric chamber sessions can cause barotrauma, particularly to the ears, sinuses, and lungs. This may result in ear pain, discomfort, or damage to the eardrum, as well as lung expansion injuries. Patients with pre-existing ear or sinus conditions may be at increased risk of barotrauma.
2. Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing high levels of oxygen under pressure for extended periods can lead to oxygen toxicity. Symptoms may include respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse. Patients with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may be at increased risk of oxygen toxicity.
3. Claustrophobia or Anxiety: Some patients may experience feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety while inside the hyperbaric chamber, especially if they are enclosed in a confined space for an extended period. Claustrophobia can lead to discomfort, agitation, or panic attacks during treatment.
4. Nausea or Vomiting: Hyperbaric chamber therapy may cause nausea or vomiting in some patients, particularly those who are prone to motion sickness or have a sensitive stomach. Patients are advised to avoid eating heavy meals before treatment and to inform their healthcare providers of any history of nausea or vomiting.
5. Temporary Vision Changes: Hyperbaric chamber therapy can cause temporary changes in vision due to changes in eye pressure. Patients may experience blurred vision, visual disturbances, or difficulty focusing during or after treatment. These vision changes typically resolve once treatment is completed, but patients should report any persistent or severe vision problems to their healthcare provider.
6. Hyperglycemia: HBOT may lead to temporary increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) in some patients, particularly those with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Healthcare providers may monitor blood glucose levels during treatment and adjust insulin or medication doses as needed.
7. Seizures: In rare cases, hyperbaric chamber therapy may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals, particularly those with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. Patients with a history of seizures should inform their healthcare providers before undergoing HBOT.
8. Fatigue: Some patients may experience fatigue or drowsiness following hyperbaric chamber sessions, especially if they are undergoing multiple treatments or have underlying health conditions. Patients are advised to rest and hydrate adequately after treatment to minimize fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Schmutz, J., Engelter, S., Peters, N., Schmucki, P., & Gelsomino, M. (2023). Hyperbaric Oxygen in Post-Stroke Patients: A Feasibility Study. Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, 7(4), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn7040041

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

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.

Efrati, S., Fishlev, G., Bechor, Y., Volkov, O., Bergan, J., Kliakhandler, K., Kamiager, I., Gal, N., Friedman, M., Ben-Jacob, E., & Golan, H. (2013). Hyperbaric Oxygen Induces Late Neuroplasticity in Post Stroke Patients – Randomized, Prospective Trial. PLOS ONE, 8(1), e53716. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0053716

Yan Y, Zhang X, An X, Fan W, Liang J, Luo B, Ren H and Huang Y (2022) The application and perspective of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute ischemic stroke: From the bench to a starter? Front. Neurol. 13:928802. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.928802