After a stroke, the brain often suffers long-lasting damage, leaving certain areas inactive for years. In an innovative study, researchers investigated how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) could spark brain healing in people facing ongoing neurological issues after a stroke.

The Study in Brief

In a study involving 74 stroke survivors within 6 to 36 months of their stroke, researchers aimed to see if HBOT could boost brain healing, even in chronic cases. These participants had motor problems due to their strokes.

The Healing Process: Method and Results

Participants were split into two groups: the “treated” and “cross” groups. The treated group had SPECT scans before and after 40 HBOT sessions over two months. The cross group had a control period without treatment, followed by the same 40 HBOT sessions over two months.

During each 90-minute session, patients breathed 100% oxygen at 2 ATA pressure. The results were impressive: both groups showed significant neurological and quality of life improvements after the HBOT sessions. Notably, the cross group’s control period brought no improvements, emphasizing the positive impact of HBOT.

Brain Progress Revealed

An important finding was the connection between clinical progress and SPECT imaging results. Brain activity increased significantly in regions with living cells, even if SPECT imaging showed low activity. This mismatch between structure and function showcased HBOT’s potential for change.

Conclusion

This study’s significance is profound. It indicates that HBOT can greatly enhance neurological health even long after a stroke. This is groundbreaking because it suggests that brain healing can be triggered well after initial damage. Regions where SPECT and CT imaging don’t align represent untapped potential for change.

As the medical community delves into neuroplasticity and recovery, this study shines as a symbol of hope. It offers a fresh perspective on HBOT’s transformative abilities, demonstrating that the brain can heal and adapt post-stroke, forging new paths to recovery.

Source

Efrati, S. (2013, January 15). Hyperbaric Oxygen Induces Late Neuroplasticity in Post Stroke Patients – Randomized, Prospective Trial. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0053716