FAQ-10

10) How does Hyperbaric Oxygen help Brain Injury or Stroke?

When cells in the brain die, either from trauma or lack of oxygen, blood plasma leaks out into surrounding brain tissue causing swelling and reducing blood flow. These otherwise normal cells go dormant because they can't function without the appropriate amount of oxygen. HBOT dramatically increases the oxygen carried in the blood plasma (normally quite low in oxygen) by up to 2000% making oxygen available to heal damaged capillary walls preventing plasma leakage and reducing swelling. As the swelling decreases, normal blood flow can be restored to the dormant tissue (neovascularization) and these cells then have the potential to go back "on-line." (See HBOT in Stroke for more details)

Back to FAQs page