A new study just published on Feb 2011 in the journal of cancer makes a strong argument for applying hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) for those patients who have had either surgery or radiation therapy for brain tumors. The study followed patients who had been treated with HBOT and there was a marked improvement in cognitive [...]
» Click Here to Read the full ArticleFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Hyperbaric Oxygen experience like?
A: The actual procedure is a lot like sitting in an airplane cabin during takeoff. Our chamber is large, accommodating multiple patients at once, with cushioned bench seats to sit or lie down on, with blankets available for your comfort. An attendant accompanies patients inside the chamber during treatment. Before entry, you will be required to remove all jewelry and change into cotton hospital scrubs. No metal objects are allowed inside the chamber. During treatment, you will be required to clear your ears as pressure gradually increases and decreases.
Sessions typically last from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate number of sessions based on your health needs.
Q: What complications or side effects are associated with HBOT?
A: For most people, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and painless. Because the human body has built-in mechanisms to limit and redirect its supply of oxygen, you will not absorb more oxygen than your body needs, meaning there are no health risks associated with ingesting too much oxygen.
The most common side effects of treatment are ear and sinus discomfort. The experience inside of the hyperbaric chamber is often compared with riding in an airplane. Patients must clear their ears as pressure increases to avoid any pain or damage. It is possible for patients predisposed to seizures to experience an episode within the pressurized chamber. There can also be a temporary worsening of vision for near-sighted individuals. This temporary state will reverse itself within weeks after cessation of therapy.
Q: Is HBOT safe for everyone?
A: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used to treat both children and adults, with special provisions made for children in terms of the breathing apparatus used, atmospheric pressure, and length of sessions. Those with physical disabilities or limited mobility will be carefully transported in and out of the chamber. There are certain circumstances, however, under which HBOT is not recommended:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Known sinus problems or chronic sinusitis
- Known middle ear problems, or past ear surgery
- High fever
- Severe emphysema or breathing problems
- Lower than normal seizure threshold
Please inform our doctors of any of the above conditions or additional concerns prior to treatment.
Q: My condition is not mentioned in relation to HBOT on the Advanced Hyperbaric web site. How can I know if HBOT will be beneficial for me?
A: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been in use around the world in the treatment of over one-hundred diseases and health conditions for decades. While there is still more research to be done in verifying the validity of some of these treatments, there are several commonly used and prescribed therapeutic uses for HBOT which are the most commonly requested. Rather than claiming to be experts in treating all of these conditions, we have chosen to specialize in certain areas of treatment.
If you are suffering from a health condition for which you think HBOT may be effective, we encourage you to call and arrange a personal medical consultation. While there are few risks associated with HBOT treatments, it is important for us to be honest with our patients regarding the potential benefits they may or may not see depending on their circumstances. The human body is an incredibly complex organism, and as in all areas of medicine, it can be difficult to predict how an individual will respond to any given therapy. Please contact us to discuss the details of your specific condition.
Q: Does HBOT replace damaged brain cells?
A: There is no procedure that can actually regenerate the neurons damaged by an injury to the brain. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy simply bypasses the brain’s natural oxygen delivery system to flood damaged tissues and the surrounding areas, which typically lie in a dormant, inactive state following an injury (known as the penumbra). It is these dormant cells that are targeted by the treatment, and which typically respond with increased energy production and restored function. It is possible, however, for new blood vessels to grow in the brain through a process called angiogenesis. These vessels continue to feed oxygen through the circulatory system to the once-dormant regions of the brain, allowing for permanent recovery of natural brain function. For best results, it is important that patients with brain injuries or who have suffered a stroke seek hyperbaric treatment as soon as possible.
