Neurological Conditions
Many diseases that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, along with brain injuries due to accidents, share common symptoms, such as difficulty moving, changes in sensation, problems with memory or thinking, and altered speech.
OxyGeneration provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for the treatment of several neurological conditions. During HBOT, patients spend ≥60 minutes breathing nearly 100% oxygen in a special pressurised chamber. The increased pressure helps the body absorb more oxygen, which helps the repair of damaged neurological tissues, reduces inflammation, and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and simple procedure with few side effects and may have wide-ranging benefits for patients with neurological diseases or following a traumatic brain injury. Although not a cure, HBOT may reduce symptoms, speed up healing and improve the quality of life of patients with some types of neurological conditions.
How HBOT Works for Neurological Conditions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing nearly 100% oxygen in a chamber in which the pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure for ≥1 hours for multiple sessions. HBOT may be beneficial for some neurological diseases and traumatic brain injuries in several ways.
1. Increases Oxygen Supply:
In many neurological conditions or following brain injuries, the brain does not receive enough oxygen. By increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood and helping deliver it to the brain, HBOT can relieve symptoms and protect nerve cells from further damage.
2. Reduces Inflammation:
Neurological conditions often involve inflammation that damages the cells of the nervous system. By turning down the immune response, HBOT reduces the levels of inflammation and protects the brain.
3. Nerve Growth:
In some cases, HBOT can lead to the growth of new nerve cells and improve the ability of the brain to adapt, which is essential for learning and memory.
4. Reduced Cell Death:
HBOT may help repair damaged cells in the brain, which protects against progressive cell loss in degenerative neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Benefits of HBOT for Patients with Neurological Conditions
Improved brain function:
Patients with neurological diseases or following a brain injury may face difficulties with memory and learning, but HBOT may ease these symptoms in some patients.Better coordination:
Uncoordinated movement is a common symptom in neurological conditions and HBOT can improve patients’ movement and coordination.Reduced pain:
Chronic pain is common in neurological conditions and HBOT can ease pain.Enhanced mood:
Neurological conditions may cause mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, and HBOT can help enhance patients’ mood and improve their quality of life.Quicker recovery:
Following a traumatic brain injury, HBOT may relieve concussion and speed up recovery after accidents.Slower disease progression:
In some neurodegenerative diseases, HBOT may slow disease progression by protecting the patient’s nervous system cells.
Clinical Evidence and Practical Considerations
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help patients following a brain injury or those with neurological diseases, though its effectiveness varies by condition. Please note that outcomes are not guaranteed and much depends on the each client’s individual conditions and response to HBOT.
In patients with brain injuries, HBOT relieves concussion symptoms and helps with consciousness, cognitive function, and recovery when administered shortly after injury. In Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, HBOT improves brain function, reduces inflammation, and may prevent cognitive decline. In Parkinson’s disease, HBOT helps with coordination, cognitive ability, and sleep quality, while also reducing daytime sleepiness and disease severity. Overall, the clinical evidence indicates that HBOT is a safe and effective option for patients following a brain injury and for those with some neurological conditions. Please see our technical resources section for full reference materials for these studies.
Client Selection:
HBOT is becoming more widely used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain neurological conditions. HBOT is generally safe and well tolerated, however, there are certain absolute and relative contra-indication that need to be carefully considered by the relevant medical team. Please note that OxyGeneration does not provide diagnostic services and is a treatment provide only. We strongly encourage all clients to consult with their medical team if required. OxyGeneration is not a quick win. We will always be very clear and respectful with clients when managing expectations. HBOT ultimately works because of physics, however with some conditions HBOT benefits are not the solution.Treatment Protocols:
Treatments usually last 80 minutes per session and are conducted daily over several weeks. Every individual is different and we recommend consulting with your medical team. To help determine how many sessions each individual will require, new clients can speak with OxyGeneration staff prior to commencing their Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.Monitoring Progress:
Regular assessments are crucial to track healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Client with Post-Concussion Syndrome:
“In August of last year, a Galway coach told my dad about this place (OxyGeneration). We did some research and decided to give it a go. I hadn’t much expectations to be honest, as we had tried a few other therapies and while they gave some relief, it didn’t last. I’ve done about 40 sessions now and I do notice really good short-term benefits. Immediately after the session, I feel refreshed and being inside the chamber itself is quite relaxing, though I found the time long in the beginning. But I’m used to it now and I spend the time studying on my laptop. It’s certainly helping me.”
Conclusion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and promising treatment for some neurological conditions. HBOT boosts brain function and enhances healing, particularly in patients with traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and its benefits, visit our website and consult with our healthcare professionals.
For further information on the use of HBOT for neurological conditions,
please visit our resources page by clicking the link below.