Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussion

How HBOT may help:

• Increases oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissues

• Reduces cerebral edema (brain swelling)

• Promotes neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new neural connections)

• Enhances mitochondrial function in neurons

What’s happening in the body:
The increased oxygen levels from HBOT help revive “idling” neurons in the penumbra (the area surrounding the injury). This increased oxygenation stimulates cellular metabolism, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The combination of these effects can lead to improved cognitive function and better recovery outcomes. Studies have shown increased cerebral blood flow on SPECT scans after HBOT treatment in TBI patients.

 

Stroke Recovery​

How HBOT may help:

• Increases oxygen supply to the penumbra

• Stimulates angiogenesis in affected areas

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

• Enhances neuroplasticity in the affected brain regions

What’s happening in the body:
HBOT can help salvage the ischemic penumbra by providing much-needed oxygen to these at-risk tissues. The increased oxygen levels stimulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promoting the formation of new blood vessels. This process can help restore blood flow to affected areas. Additionally, HBOT has been shown to upregulate neuroplasticity-associated genes, potentially aiding in the formation of new neural pathways to compensate for damaged areas.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

How HBOT may help:

• Improves oxygen delivery to the brain

• Reduces neuroinflammation

• Enhances mitochondrial function

• Potentially modulates neurotransmitter activity

What’s happening in the body:
The increased oxygen levels from HBOT may help address the hypoperfusion (decreased blood flow) often observed in certain areas of the autistic brain. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, HBOT might help normalize brain function. Some studies suggest that HBOT can increase the production of stem cells and growth factors, potentially aiding in brain tissue repair and development. However, results are mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand HBOT’s effects on ASD.

 

Fibromyalgia

How HBOT may help:

• Reduces systemic inflammation

• Improves oxygen delivery to muscles and soft tissues

• Modulates pain perception

• Enhances mitochondrial function

What’s happening in the body:
HBOT’s anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce the chronic inflammation associated with fibromyalgia. The increased oxygen levels can improve mitochondrial function in muscle cells, potentially addressing the fatigue commonly experienced by fibromyalgia patients. Some research suggests that HBOT can modulate pain perception by affecting the brain’s pain processing centers. A study published in PLoS ONE showed that HBOT could lead to significant improvements in all fibromyalgia symptoms, with a notable decrease in pain sensitivity.

 

Lyme Disease

How HBOT may help:

• Creates an oxygen-rich environment hostile to Borrelia burgdorferi

• Enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics

• Boosts the immune system’s ability to fight the infection

• Reduces inflammation associated with the disease

What’s happening in the body:
The high oxygen levels created by HBOT can be directly toxic to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease, as it’s an obligate anaerobe. HBOT also enhances the oxygen-dependent killing of bacteria by white blood cells. Additionally, it can increase the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, particularly those in the aminoglycoside class. The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT may help manage the symptoms associated with chronic Lyme disease.

 

Alzheimer’s Disease

How HBOT may help:

• Improves cerebral blood flow

• Reduces neuroinflammation

• Decreases amyloid beta plaques

• Enhances mitochondrial function

What’s happening in the body:
HBOT has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, which is often reduced in Alzheimer’s patients. This improved blood flow can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissues. Some animal studies have suggested that HBOT can reduce the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The therapy’s ability to enhance mitochondrial function may also be beneficial, as mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a factor in Alzheimer’s pathology.

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COVID-19 Recovery

How HBOT may help:

• Improves oxygen saturation in the blood

• Reduces inflammation in the lungs

• Enhances the immune response

• Potentially mitigates long-term effects of COVID-19

What’s happening in the body:
HBOT can significantly increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood plasma, potentially helping patients with compromised lung function due to COVID-19. The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT may help reduce the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 cases. Some studies suggest that HBOT can enhance the production and function of immune cells, potentially aiding in the body’s fight against the virus. For long COVID patients, HBOT’s ability to improve tissue oxygenation and reduce inflammation may help address persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath.

 

It’s crucial to note that while these off-label uses show promise, they are not FDA-approved indications for HBOT. The therapy should only be used under the guidance of a qualified medical professional, and patients should be aware that insurance may not cover HBOT for these conditions. As research continues, our understanding of HBOT’s potential benefits for these and other conditions may evolve.

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