Strokes, sometimes called "brain attacks", occur when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or suddenly bursts. This stops the flow of oxygen-rich blood, causing the cells to die within minutes. Due to the nature of this condition to cause harm quite rapidly, after a stroke, parts of the brain can quickly become critically damaged, or even die. Tragically, strokes are the current leading cause of serious long-term disability.
According to the CDC, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.
Because strokes are caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain (whether through a blockage or a burst), there have been recent studies centering on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the prevention and treatment of strokes, as this therapy flushes the body with oxygen.
According to the International Hyperbarics Association, here are the demonstrated benefits of utilizing HBOT for strokes:
Stroke Prevention:
Stimulates angiogenesis
Ameliorates atherosclerosis (improves blood vessels)
Decreases oxidative stress in the brain
Preconditions the brain to enable neuroprotective properties
Stroke Recovery:
Faster overall recovery
Improves vision and speech
Reduces paralysis
Accelerates gross/fine motor skills
Increases penumbra tissue recovery
Stimulates angiogenesis for faster reclamation
Promotes neurogenesis
Enhances stem cell proliferation and mobilization
Escalates neuroplasticity
Alleviates spasticity
We also urge you to check out this video from Dr. Jason Sonners with HBOT USA:
If you or someone you know has either suffered from a stroke or are curious about working to help prevent one, give us a call at 515-421-4002!
References:
About Stroke | cdc.gov. (2022, November 2). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm
International Hyperbarics Association. (2019). Stroke & Hyperbarics [Brochure]. International Hyperbarics Association.
Stroke Facts | cdc.gov. (2022, October 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm