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Hyperbaric Treatment for Stroke

Much controversy revolves around hyperbaric treatment for stroke with some physicians touting it as a definitive therapy. But many researchers, and the hyperbaric governing body, believe evidence of benefit to be limited.

  1. Identification

    • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is considered an effective treatment for 13 medical conditions designated by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Stroke is not listed among these.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Questions persist as to whether HBOT itself relieves damage from stroke. "Most observational studies reported favorable, and sometimes dramatic, results, but failed to prove that these results can be attributed to HBOT," reported the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

    Function

    • HBOT is undertaken by entering a sealed pressure chamber and breathing 100 percent oxygen administered at an atmospheric pressure higher than normal. This forces extra oxygen into the bloodstream and hastens the healing of injuries ranging from decompression sickness to severe burns.

    Time Frame

    • Treatment normally extends for an hour at a time and, dependent on patient condition and physician recommendation, may be undertaken anywhere from a few times to 100 times or more.

    Research

    • Extensive research continues into the efficacy of HBOT concerning stroke. "We believe that there is a window of opportunity to treat stroke related injury of the brain using hyperbaric oxygen," said Chandan Sen, Director of the Comprehensive Wound Center at the Ohio State University Medical Center. "The challenge lies in accurately defining the perimeters of that window."

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