Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency that affects millions of people globally each year. It arises when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain tissue to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to the death of brain cells within minutes [1]. One of the promising therapeutic interventions that has been gaining attention in recent years for post-stroke rehabilitation is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT).
What is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) is a non-invasive treatment where a person breathes in higher concentrations of oxygen while under increased atmospheric pressure. Unlike its cousin, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which requires medical-grade oxygen and pressures greater than 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA), mHBOT is typically conducted at pressures between 1.3 and 1.5 ATA, utilizing filtered ambient air [2].
How Does mHBOT Benefit Stroke Patients?
Research has shown that mHBOT has several potential benefits for stroke victims.
Promotes Neuronal Recovery
One of the major benefits of mHBOT for stroke patients is that it can help promote neuronal recovery. By breathing oxygen at higher pressure, more oxygen is dissolved in the bloodstream. This extra oxygen can help to stimulate the recovery of dormant neurons around the damaged area of the brain, thereby improving neural function and recovery [3].
Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
mHBOT has also been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, two harmful processes that can further damage brain tissue after a stroke. This protective effect could limit the extent of brain damage and promote recovery [4].
Enhances Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is another key process in stroke recovery. mHBOT has been found to stimulate angiogenesis, potentially helping to re-establish blood flow to damaged areas of the brain and promote the healing process [5].
Research Evidence
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal "Medical Gas Research" in 2020 showed that HBOT significantly improved neurological function and life quality in stroke patients [6]. While this study focused on HBOT, it lays a solid groundwork for the potential benefits of mHBOT, given the similar mechanisms of action.
In a 2017 pilot study on the effects of mHBOT in chronic stroke patients, improvements were noted in terms of cognitive and physical functions [7]. Although this was a small-scale study, the results are promising and provide further impetus for larger, controlled trials.
Conclusion
While more research is needed, particularly large-scale, randomized controlled trials, the current evidence suggests that mHBOT could be a valuable tool in post-stroke rehabilitation. It has potential to promote neuronal recovery, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhance angiogenesis, all of which could aid in restoring brain function after a stroke.
References
Stroke, Mayo Clinic.
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Hyperbaric Medical Solutions
Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, et al. (2013). Hyperbaric oxygen induces late neuroplasticity in post stroke patients--randomized, prospective trial, PLoS One.
Thom SR. (2009). Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Tal S, Hadanny A, Sasson E, Suzin G, Efrati S. (2015). Hyperbaric oxygen may induce angiogenesis in patients suffering from prolonged post-concussion syndrome due to traumatic brain injury, Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience.
Yang Y, Wei H, Zhou X, Zhang F, Wang C. (2020). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis, Medical Gas Research.
Mukherjee A, Raison M, Sahni T, Arya A, Lambert J, Marois P, James PB, Parent A. (2017). Intensive rehabilitation combined with HBO2 therapy in children with cerebral palsy: a controlled longitudinal study, Undersea Hyperb Med.