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.
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.
