Learn More About Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Treatment with Dr. Brian
Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy (HBOT) has recently become more popular as a treatment application for a variety of symptoms and conditions. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen that can dissolve into the blood, allowing more oxygen to reach tissues and other areas in the body and brain, even those with poor circulation. This increased oxygen supply can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, promote tissue repair, help fight infections, reduce inflammation in the body – among many other claims ranging from helping reduce autoimmune symptoms to helping stabilize and heal the brain and nervous system. Some studies have found HBOT to be effective in treating traumatic brain injuries as well as post-viral conditions like long COVID. This blog will take a closer look at the potential neurological benefits of the HBOT, and my experience with using the HBOT with other types of neurological treatment.
There are many applications of the HBOT in regards to neurological symptoms and brain/body healing – the ability of the HBOT to efficiently move blood and oxygen throughout the body is key to healing. Some neurological presentations, commonly in brain injuries and dysautonomia, the nervous system is in a state of chronic stress dysregulation – the ability to easily control the stress response becomes abnormal, causing an elevated stress response and/or in the inability to easily turn off the stress response. In these cases, I have found that the HBOT can be effective in calming the brain and body and reducing the stress response, allowing for more effective healing and recovery of the nervous system. Most dysautonomia or POTS patients some form of poor circulation -- cold hands/feet, swelling in the hands/feet, color changes (purple/white) in the hands/feet, numbness/tingling, etc. I have found that the HBOT can be very effective at reducing these symptoms – literally by helping push blood and oxygen into the small arteries and capillaries and throughout the body. Patient with headaches and migraine presentations can also see benefits in their symptoms the HBOT, probably from this mechanism. Many patients with low energy and/or extreme fatigue find improvements in these symptoms as well after using the HBOT. I think of the HBOT as a “recovery” treatment (although it can be utilized as a standalone therapy) – I find that the benefits of the HBOT occur most often when used with a well-rounded neurological treatment plan. The neurological exercises can “re-train” the brain (the definition of neuroplasticity), and then the HBOT allows for the healing and recovery of those areas (similar to what sleeping does). When utilized in this manner, the HBOT can be a crucial part of the healing journey for many people!
My mission at Great Lakes Functional Neurology is to help you understand your symptoms and help you return back to a healthy, more functional lifestyle. I strive to equip you with the tools needed both in the clinic and at home for neurological recovery and optimal health. If you would like to know more, I would be happy to discuss my services in more detail with you! You can reach me at (616)-581-1558 or visit my website at www.greatlakesneurology.com and schedule a free phone consultation with Dr. Brian to learn more about my therapies and treatment options. Ask for Dr. Brian!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The content above is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Great Lakes Functional Neurology does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. We recommend readers that are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications consult their physicians before starting any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.