Written By: Aileen Moradian, PhD, MSN-Ed., RNC-NIC, IBCLC, FMP-BC
Improving Stroke Outcomes Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Rehabilitation is critical in the recovery process, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising adjunct treatment. It works by delivering near-100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, which enhances oxygen absorption in the blood and supports cellular repair and regeneration.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding. This shortage of blood means that brain cells don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need, which can lead to tissue damage and neuronal death. The part of the brain affected is called the “ischemic penumbra,” where the tissue is still at risk but hasn’t yet been permanently damaged. Timely restoration of oxygen to the brain can prevent further cell death and promote the repair of damaged neurons.
During rehabilitation, the aim is to activate neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s capacity to reorganize and forge new neural connections. Nonetheless, the recovery can be sluggish due to initial oxygen deprivation and inflammation. High-Pressure Oxygen Therapy is crucial here, as it raises blood oxygen levels and improves oxygen delivery to brain tissues, thereby speeding up recovery and boosting neuroplasticity for more efficient rehabilitation.
How Fast Can Patients See Results Using HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)?
- Acute Treatment: For acute ischemic cases, where the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen for a short period, Hyperbaric Therapy can be beneficial if used early. Studies suggest that starting HBOT as soon as possible after a stroke may help reduce the size of the infarct (damaged brain tissue) and improve functional outcomes. In acute cases, patients may begin to see some improvement in neurological function within a few sessions, particularly in terms of cognitive clarity, motor function, and speech.
- Post-Recovery and Neuroplasticity: For patients in the subacute or chronic stages of recovery, HBOT has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity by increasing oxygen availability to the affected brain areas. Research indicates that repeated Pressurized Oxygen Therapy treatments over several weeks can lead to significant improvements in motor skills, cognitive function, and speech. In some cases, patients begin to show observable improvements after just 10–15 sessions, with continued progress over time.
- Reduction of Inflammation: In the recovery phase, inflammation can hinder healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps reduce inflammation by improving oxygen delivery and modulating immune responses. As inflammation decreases, patients may experience a reduction in pain and stiffness, allowing for better movement and a greater range of motion in the affected limbs.
- Improved Cognitive Function: One of the most encouraging aspects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for stroke recovery is its impact on cognitive function. By improving oxygenation to the brain, HBOT supports cognitive repair and enhances memory, attention, and overall mental clarity. Stroke patients with cognitive impairments may begin to notice improvements in thinking speed, memory recall, and overall cognitive performance after multiple HBOT sessions.
- Progression Over Time: The speed of recovery varies depending on the severity of the incident, the area of the brain affected, and how early hyperbaric oxygen treatment is administered. While some patients may see noticeable improvements after 10-15 sessions, the best results are often seen after 20-40 sessions. It’s important to note that recovery is gradual, and continued HBOT sessions can provide sustained benefits, with the potential for long-term improvements in function.
Summary of Key Points:
- Restore oxygen to brain tissue after an event, promoting healing and reducing the size of the infarct.
- For patients in the subacute or chronic stages of recovery, HBOT enhances neuroplasticity and accelerates rehabilitation.
- Post-inflammation is reduced, leading to less pain and better mobility.
- Cognitive improvements, including better memory and mental clarity, are observed after multiple sessions.
- The best results typically occur after 20-40 sessions, with gradual and sustained improvements over time.
Conclusion
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a powerful tool in the recovery process for patients, offering the potential for accelerated healing, improved neuroplasticity, and enhanced cognitive and motor function. While patients may see initial results after just a few sessions, the most significant improvements are typically seen after 10-15 sessions, with continued progress over time. By enhancing oxygen delivery to the brain and reducing inflammation, HBOT helps patients regain lost functions more effectively, offering hope for those affected by this debilitating condition.
References
**A randomized controlled trial demonstrating that HBOT enhances neuroplasticity in chronic stroke survivors (6 months–3 years post‑stroke), confirmed by SPECT imaging and clinical improvements
Hadanny, A., Yampolsky, C., Fishlev, G., Baratz-Goldstein, R., Bechor, Y., Volkov, O., & Efrati, S. (2020). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions of post‑stroke patients: A retrospective analysis. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 38(1), 93–107. https://doi.org/10.3233/RNN‑190959
** This study of 162 chronic stroke patients (treated 3+ months post-event) used 40–60 daily HBOT sessions and found significant improvement in all cognitive domains, with 86 % achieving clinically significant gains.
Lin, Z., Bennett, M. H., Hawkins, G. C., Azzopardi, C. P., & Feldmeier, J. (2023). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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