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Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments for Stroke
Stroke- also called cerebrovascular accident (CVA)-
refers to the loss of functioning brain tissue caused by circulation
problems within the brain. The lack of or reduced blood flow
cuts off the brain’s supply of oxygen.
Without oxygen, neurons begin to die. The disabilities
that result depend upon what area of the brain has been affected.
They include persistent paralysis on one side of the body., and
spasticity, or rigid muscles. This damage to the brain can reduce
mobility, speech and swallowing ability, and can result in mental
difficulties including memory loss and personality changes.
A cutoff of blood circulation can occur for one of
three reasons. The first is ischemia or the lack of blood flow
caused by a blockage or the narrowing of an artery. A second
related reason for a stroke to occur is the development of an
emboli-blood clots that block an artery and cut off blood flow.
The third reason a stroke may occur is cerebral hemorrhage. This
means that there is bleeding in the brain which can destroy large
areas on one or both sides of the brain.
No matter what causes a stroke, the result is a localized
area of decay in the brain called an infarct. This is irreparably
damaged tissue. Between this damaged tissue and the unaffected,
normal brain is a zone referred to as the penumbra.
The most important factors in a stroke recovery is
the extent of the infarct and of the penumbra-- the region that
surrounds the damaged , non-recoverable tissue.
A key attribute of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
is that it decreases swelling and reawakens the idling neurons
within the penumbra. Activation of these neurons explains why,
providing oxygen, there can be improvement when Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy is administered- even years after a stroke occurs.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works well in conjunction
with physical therapy, in which exercise and other forms of movement
are used to help regain control of the limbs. Physical therapy
reorganizes the neurons awakened by the oxygen, allowing these
neurons to regain their plasticity.
The revival of nonfunctional neurons in the brain
is the most notable effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on cases
of stroke.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy provides a stroke patient
with a number of other benefits.
Relief of oxygen starvation. Oxygen starvation, also
known as hypoxia, occurs during ischemia, when the flow of blood
is reduced. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen carried to the
tissues by forcing oxygen into the plasma (the liquid portion
of the blood), the lymph and the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid
that bathes the brain and spinal cord). The oxygen enriched cerebrospinal
fluid will help to nurture the tissues.
Improvement of microcirculation. The flow of blood
through the capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that connect
arteries to veins is microcirculation. This is where nutrients
leave the blood and enter the tissues. Oxygenated tissue is able
to repair itself by producing new capillaries.
Relief of spasticity. A stroke patient’s muscles
often become spastic, or rigid. HBOT has been proven to be an
effective and nontoxic antispasticity measure.
Relief of brain swelling. Following a stroke, there
is considerable swelling, or edema. HBOT safely reduces edema
which permits extra fluid around the brain cells to drain away
and keep cell wastes from building up to toxic levels.
Lifestyles Therapeutics Camrose Inc
Blaine Ferguson, CMT, HCO, CHT
Swedish Massage
Tai Chi/Qi Gong Instructor
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Ozone Therapy
4910 - 49 Ave., Camrose, Alberta,
Canada, T4V 0M8
Phone: 780-672-6942
Fax: 780-672-6942
E-Mail: blaineferguson@hotmail.com |
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