Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke Patients

What Is Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Types include:

• Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding into or around the brain.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A “mini-stroke” with temporary symptoms.

How Stroke Affects the Brain

• Oxygen deprivation leads to neuronal cell death in the affected region.
• Inflammation and edema worsen secondary injury.
• Loss of motor, sensory, and cognitive functions depending on the area impacted.

Why HBOT Is Effective

• Increases Oxygen Delivery: Hyper-oxygenation helps salvage the ischemic penumbra.
• Reduces Brain Swelling: Pressure decreases edema, improving perfusion.
• Promotes Angiogenesis & Neurogenesis: Stimulates new vessels and neural connections.
• Enhances Neuroplasticity: Supports brain rewiring to restore lost functions.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Down-regulates harmful cytokines and oxidative stress.

Who Should Consider HBOT?

• Patients early post-ischemic stroke seeking to limit damage.
• Chronic stroke survivors aiming to improve motor and cognitive deficits.
• Individuals enrolled in comprehensive neurorehabilitation programs.
• Anyone under the care of a stroke specialist and hyperbaric medicine physician.

*HBOT should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified hyperbaric medicine physician as part of a tailored stroke rehabilitation plan.