We all have some idea of the effects a stroke can have on sufferers and their friends and families. The fact that we would sometimes refer to a person who has suffered a stroke as a ‘stroke victim’ is an indication of how we view this condition.
A stroke occurs when part of the brain loses its blood supply, causing the brain tissue in that area to die. This area of dead tissue is called the infarct. A larger area of living tissue immediately surrounding the infarct experiences reduced blood flow causing brain cells within this area to become ineffective, hence exacerbating the effect of the stroke. This area is called the ischaemic penumbra. Cells in this area, although inactive, can tolerate a considerable reduction in blood flow for many years and for this reason they are often referred to as 'sleeping beauties'. Potentially, however, they are capable of being revived with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
What is HBOT and how can it help?
HBO
treatment consists of breathing in pure oxygen through a face mask or mouth
piece, whilst sitting normally and comfortably in a metal chamber, where the
air pressure has been raised to a level above atmospheric. Oxygen is vital in any healing process, and
the theory behind HBO treatment is that oxygen at a higher pressure can
suppress toxic inflamed areas of the body and supply oxygen to the those areas
thereby encouraging new blood vessels to form in the damaged tissue
In normal air (at sea
level), we breathe about 21% of oxygen.
At this level our red blood cells which carry the oxygen around our
bodies are almost fully saturated. In
other words, the red blood cells cannot carry much more oxygen. However, when breathing pure oxygen (100%)
under pressure, the blood plasma is capable of passing by clots and through
obstructed areas to reach the ‘sleeping beauty’ cells within the penumbra.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has long been used to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries and wounds. It is now being increasingly used with promising results in the treatment neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and strokes. Use of HBO in the treatment of neurological disorders has been controversial, largely because function and expectations have been widely misunderstood. However, studies have shown that it is beneficial. Some of the most significant benefits are improved balance, speech, level of energy, sensory perception and control of bladder and bowel functions. For further information about strokes you can click on our 'OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES' icon on the home page