Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the brain. Did you know:

The brain is the most complex organ in the universe
There are 100 BILLION neurons (nerve or brain cells) in the brain
The brain has TRILLIONS of connections with other cells
There are about 160,000 km of blood vessels in the brain
A person has 70,000 thoughts a day - half in words, half in pictures
It is a myth that we only use 10% of our brain. Losing 90% of brain function would mean being a vegetable

What does hyperbaric oxygen therapy do in the brain?

Oxygen is one of the most important nutrients for the cell function, without which life cannot exist. Compared to the rest of the body, the brain uses the most energy, and brain cells are particularly sensitive to the effects of oxygen.
What happens in the brain during oxygen therapy?
Inflammation and oxidative stress are reduced
New brain cells and connections or synapses are born
Dormant and non-functioning brain cells wake up
The functioning of brain cells and nerve cell extensions improves
The permeability of the brain-blood barrier decreases
Brain metabolism, neuroplasticity and general functioning improves
The blood flow to the brain increases, so the brain gets a permanent better supply of oxygen and nutrients
Protects nerve cells from damage and reduces cell death
In addition, a course of barotherapy changes the functioning of 40% of genes that support self-healing processes and triggers the production of stem cells in the body, which in turn have healing abilities for all tissues.

As a result of all these effects, mood and sleep are improved, anxiety is reduced, and energy, well-being, memory and thinking clarity are increased.

If there is any injury to the brain, a course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy done promptly can significantly reduce the negative consequences - the sooner you get into the chamber, the better.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen chamber on various brain problems

LONG COVID

Post-Covid problems often include damage to the nervous system and brain - pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, attention and memory disorders, and cognitive problems.
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, helping cells that are deprived of oxygen, a common issue in long COVID. This can promote healing and repair of damaged tissues, potentially alleviating fatigue and improving overall energy levels.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce chronic inflammation often associated with long COVID. By minimizing inflammation, it can reduce pain and improve general well-being.
HBOT supports the immune system by increasing the oxygen supply to white blood cells, improving their ability to fight infections and inflammation. This can help those with long COVID recover more effectively from lingering symptoms.
The therapy stimulates stem cell activity and collagen production, promoting tissue regeneration and repair. This may be beneficial for lung and other organ damage commonly seen in long COVID cases.
HBOT has been shown to support neuroplasticity and improve cognitive functions such as memory and focus. This could potentially assist in alleviating brain fog and cognitive impairments often reported by long COVID sufferers.
By improving mitochondrial function and energy production within cells, HBOT can help alleviate the persistent fatigue that is one of the most debilitating symptoms of long COVID.
The therapy enhances blood flow, which can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body. This can help relieve symptoms like muscle weakness and pain that some long COVID patients experience.
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hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) enhances oxygen delivery to brain tissues affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI), ensuring even areas with reduced blood flow receive adequate oxygen for recovery.
It reduces inflammation and swelling in the brain, which helps alleviate pressure and creates a more favorable environment for healing damaged tissues.
HBOT stimulates the production of new neurons and blood vessels, supporting brain repair and improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
The therapy enhances neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections that restore lost cognitive and motor functions after a TBI.
By neutralizing free radicals, HBOT reduces oxidative stress, which can protect brain cells from further damage and promote recovery.
Patients often experience improved cognitive abilities, better memory, enhanced focus, and mood stabilization, as well as physical recovery in motor function.
HBOT can aid recovery from TBI even years after the injury by reactivating dormant neurons and alleviating chronic symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Studies for chronic TBI show mixed results. But often the control group uses 1,3 ATA hyperbaric therapy with air - this was previously thought to be "placebo" without having any physical effect. By now we know that mild pressure is highly effective for the brain. Also there is no universally accepted HBOT protocol for chronic TBI, and studies often use different pressures, durations, and frequencies.

STROKE

Awakens Dormant Brain Cells - hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive dormant brain cells (penumbra) in stroke-affected areas by providing them with the oxygen needed to become active again, aiding recovery.
Improves Oxygen Delivery - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen levels in the brain, restoring oxygen-starved regions and reducing tissue damage to aid in healing.
Reduces Inflammation - Hyperbaric oxygen chambers help decrease swelling and inflammation in the brain, protecting nearby tissue from further injury.
Stimulates Angiogenesis - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes the formation of new blood vessels, improving circulation to damaged areas and enhancing repair.
Enhances Neuroplasticity - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports the brain’s ability to adapt by stimulating new neuron growth and strengthening existing connections, helping to restore lost functions.
Lowers Oxidative Stress - Hyperbaric oxygen chambers reduce harmful oxidative damage in the brain, protecting tissue and encouraging healthier recovery.
Optimizes Rehabilitation - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves oxygenation and blood flow, increasing the effectiveness of physical, occupational, or speech rehabilitation therapies.
hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber stroke
hyperbaric oxygen therapy autism

AUTISM

Improves Brain Oxygenation - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain, which may improve the function of brain regions associated with communication, behavior, and social skills in individuals with autism.
Reduces Inflammation - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce neuroinflammation that is often linked to the symptoms of autism.
Enhances Mitochondrial Function - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports cellular energy production by improving mitochondrial function, which may help with fatigue and energy regulation in individuals with autism.
Supports Detoxification - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy boosts the body’s ability to eliminate toxins by improving liver and cellular detoxification processes, which might be beneficial for some individuals with autism.
Promotes Neuroplasticity - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy encourages the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, potentially enhancing learning, memory, and adaptation to therapies for autism.
Improves Gut-Brain Connection - By reducing systemic inflammation and improving oxygenation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may support gut health, which is closely tied to brain function and behavior in individuals with autism.
Reduces Oxidative Stress - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances the body's antioxidant defenses, which can lower oxidative stress levels often elevated in autism, potentially improving cellular and neurological health.
Enhances Blood Flow - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves cerebral blood flow, which may help with cognitive function and reduce symptoms related to restricted blood flow in certain brain regions associated with autism.
Protocol - for autism, hyperbaric oxygen therapy typically uses pressures between 1.3 and 1.5 ATA (atmospheres absolute) with oxygen concentrations ranging from 21% (ambient air) to 100% oxygen, depending on the setup. A common protocol involves 60-minute sessions, administered 5–7 times per week, over a course of 20–40 sessions, though the exact regimen may vary based on individual needs and responses. Lower pressures are favored due to better results for brain and for minimizing risks for children.

FIBROMYALGIA

Reduces Pain Sensitivity – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce pain perception in fibromyalgia patients by decreasing central sensitization and modulating brain activity in pain-processing areas.
Improves Brain Function – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances neuroplasticity and increases oxygen supply to the brain, leading to improved cognitive function and reduced brain fog in fibromyalgia patients.
Reduces Fatigue – Many fibromyalgia patients experience chronic fatigue, and hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps by increasing cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress, leading to more sustained energy levels.
Decreases Inflammation – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces systemic inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokines, which may help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms like joint and muscle pain.
Restores Autonomic Nervous System Balance – Fibromyalgia is often associated with dysautonomia, and hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, leading to better stress response and relaxation.
Enhances Sleep Quality – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been reported to improve sleep patterns in fibromyalgia patients by increasing melatonin levels and reducing sleep disturbances, leading to better overall recovery.
Promotes Muscle and Tissue Repair – By increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, hyperbaric oxygen chamber accelerates healing, reduces muscle soreness, and improves recovery from exertion, which is beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers.
Improves Mood and Reduces Anxiety – Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports mental well-being by promoting neurogenesis, reducing oxidative stress, and balancing neurotransmitters.
Increases Blood Flow – Studies show that fibromyalgia patients may have reduced blood circulation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances blood flow and oxygenation to muscles and nerves, improving overall function and reducing discomfort.
Restores Mitochondrial Function – Cellular energy production is often impaired in fibromyalgia, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports mitochondrial function, leading to better endurance and reduced muscle pain.
hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber stroke
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