Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Useful in Brain Injury

I have looked at this for several days now and have decided that even though this is not about diabetes, it is important for everyone to be aware of the potential. This is only the tip of the potential importance of this study. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been useful in diabetes wound healing and has been used for a long time for treating divers with excess nitrogen in their system. Now it is helping resuscitate activity in damaged brains.

In Israel, doctors have now used HBOT to show dramatic improvement for stroke patients. “Now Dr. Shai Efrati of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine has found a way to restore a significant amount of neurological function in brain tissue thought to be chronically damaged - even years after initial injury.”

If this does not get you attention, maybe this information will. “Patients experienced improvements such as a reversal of paralysis, increased sensation, and renewed use of language. These changes can make a world of difference in daily life, helping patients recover their independence and complete tasks such as bathing, cooking, climbing stairs, or reading a book.”

Think about a family member that has had a stroke, traumatic injury, and metabolic disorder that may have caused major brain damage and permanent disabilities, including motor dysfunction, psychological disorders, memory loss, and more. If HBOT could restore their brain to near normal function, would you not want to have this tried?

This will still need to be approved in the USA and I'm sure the Food and Drug Administration will insist on regulating it, but there is much more that needs to be done and studies to be conducted. Then the need will be there for insurance to cover the treatment. But, and this is big, if the results can be proven, think of the quality of life that may be possible for those that now have no quality of life.

According to Dr. Efrati, this study opens up more possibilities and researchers are currently conducting a study on the benefits of HBOT for those with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Think of the possibilities as an anti-aging therapy for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. HBOT maybe the treatment before the full onset of dementia, where recovery still has potential. I say this is important and these researchers are on the correct tract to do much good.