Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Concussion Syndrome

HBOT enhances recovery from TBI and augments brain activity by reducing hypoxia and neuroinflammation while increasing circulation in the brain. Also, HBOT synergistically enhances the effects of other therapies, including standard intensive rehabilitation, for TIB patients to help accelerate recovery. Clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT for TBI.

Stroke

HBOT to helps to prevent and treat stroke through several different mechanisms. HBOT can precondition the brain by stimulating angiogenesis (building of new blood vessels), thus producing new circulatory pathways throughout the brain and potentially decreasing the chance of stroke (or second stroke). HBOT has demonstrated significant pre-clinical effectiveness for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Also, HBOT benefits post-stroke patients by addressing the compromised blood flow to the affected brain tissue (penumbra), and functionality can be recoverable by introducing increased oxygen levels. Studies have demonstrated the benefit of HBOT for stroke.

Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia

Currently, there is no treatment for Alzheimer's, the most common cause of dementia. Medications and management strategies merely temporarily relieve or slow symptoms. However, new research shows promising hope for brain health with HBOT by driving oxygen into the brain, stimulating repair and improving function.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Managing inflammation of the brain is a crucial element in improving life for individuals and families facing the challenges of Autism. More than 70% of individuals diagnosed with Autism have neuroinflammation, and over 75% have hypoperfusion to the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes. HBOT stimulates hyperprofusion, neurogenesis, and reduces cytokine activity in the brain.

HBOT decreases inflammation and improves cognitive functions, which has substantially helped thousands of ASD individuals. In addition, studies have demonstrated HBOT as an emerging treatment that parents and physicians utilize to help alleviate the effects of ASD.

Study: Autism Symptoms Ameliorated with HBOT, a multi-centered, randomized, controlled, double-blind study, was published in 2009. The study involved 56 children with diagnosed ASD aged 2-7. The treatment group received 40 one-hour sessions over four weeks. Upon completing this study, 80 percent of the treatment group's mean physician Clinical Global Impression scores for overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction and eye contact significantly improved. This study also observed significant improvements within the Aberrant Behavioral Checklist in irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and speech. In addition, children who received treatment showed considerable progress in their scores on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist, specifically concerning sensory and cognitive awareness. Hyperbaric treatment was confirmed safe and well tolerated by the children. Children are able to be accompanied in the chamber by a parent or guardian if desired.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic degenerative neurological disease identified by the appearance of patchy inflammation, demyelination, and gliosis in the brain and central nervous system. HBOT improves neurological function by increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain and spinal cord. This increased oxygen supply stimulates cell signaling cascades to reduce inflammation, promote the growth of new neurons and new blood vessels, and protect against oxidative stress, which all contribute to the progression of MS.

Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Over 50% of individuals above 60 express concerns about declining cognitive abilities. A 2020 study demonstrated that HBOT can significantly enhance the cognitive performance of healthy older adults. HBOT will benefit the brain positively in any health state. A study out of Iran took a group of 4.0 students and ran them through a series of multi-tasking tests. The treatment group was then given 40 hours of HBOT and was then re-tested with significant improvements in multi-task challenges.

Cerebral Palsy

HBOT helps to ease the effect of CP. The affected brain tissue (penumbra) can be recovered or improved by introducing increased oxygen levels, similar to TBI. HBOT stimulates stem cells and the growth of new neurons and blood vessels. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT with multiple studies reporting improvements with its application.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Extensive studies with the VA have demonstrated improved processing speed, sleep quality, and balance function. HBOT improves parasympathetic/sympathetic balance and activates neuroplastic changes. Patients report improved stress tolerance and an overall sense of well-being.

Tinnitus

HBOT treats tinnitus by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected ear and stimulating the repair of the damaged auditory system.

Parkinson's Disease 

HBOT has been suggested as a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve brain function.

Autonomic Dysfunction

Autonomic dysfunction encompasses a group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion.

Sports Injuries and Recovery

As inflammation and pain play primary roles concerning recovery, HBOT significantly reduces inflammation and ameliorates pain. Additionally, HBOT can promote fibroblast/collagen activity to accelerate and enhance healing from surgeries and wounds. New evidence supports HBOT as an adjunctive and practical treatment to help moderate the effects of traumatic brain injuries and enhance brain imaging results. HBOT is often used to help reach a full recovery from high-impact insults to the body. Currently, the US Olympic team and professional athletes treat sports-related injuries as part of their official medical techniques and equipment. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT for sports-related injuries.

Lyme Disease

HBOT elevates tissue oxygenation, weakening the tick-borne bacterium or spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) while increasing white blood cell activity to enhance antimicrobial responses. Clinical data and case reports have demonstrated the lasting benefits of HBOT for Lyme disease, particularly for patients experiencing chronic symptoms.

Bacterial Infections

HBOT has a long history of helping patients with chronic drug-resistant anaerobic infections. HBOT creates a high-oxygen environment that weakens or kills bacteria, increases WBC activation, increases ROS formation for fighting infection, and breaks down bacterial biofilms. HBOT can also make bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics and other standard treatment methods.

Viral Infections

The primary immune response to viral infection is white blood cells using weaponized oxygen, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), to degrade the viral envelope. HBOT increases Reactive Oxygen Species and the immune system's ability to breach the viral envelope and decrease viral load.

Cancer

HBOT is currently utilized in conjunction with conventional treatments. HBOT can increase sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy, meaning less is needed to achieve the same therapeutic effect. Always inform and manage medication with your prescribing physician. HBOT stimulates tumor regression and reduces the side effect of treatment. Cancer thrives in a low-oxygen (hypoxic) environment, and HBOT increases the body's oxygen levels to weaken tumors and reduce their aggressiveness.

Fibromyalgia

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells that can help repair damaged tissues and reduce pain. Also, HBOT has been shown to improve sleep quality and increase stress tolerance.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. HBOT is a valuable treatment option because this therapy increases oxygen levels and promotes nerve regeneration.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

HBOT is an exciting treatment option for chronic fatigue syndrome due to this therapy's ability to increase oxygen levels in the body and improve energy levels.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Both are autoimmune, degenerative gastrointestinal conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, intestinal ulcers, fistulas, and fissures. HBOT has a long history of promoting wound healing. Just as an external wound heals quickly in a pressurized and oxygenated environment, internal damage of the gut responds with hyperperfusion, stem cell release, cytokine reduction (anti-inflammation), and collagen formation (repair)

Interstitial Cystitis

This chronic bladder condition causes pain, pressure, and frequent urination. HBOT has been proposed as a possible treatment due to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is a chronic pain condition often affecting an arm or a leg after an injury, surgery, or other trauma.

HBOT has been proposed as a potential treatment due to its ability to increase oxygen levels, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, leading to bone collapse and joint pain.

HBOT has been explored as a possible treatment option due to its ability to increase blood flow and promote the growth of new blood vessels.

Erectile Dysfunction

HBOT has been proposed as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction due to its ability to improve blood flow and oxygenation.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

This eye condition can lead to vision loss in older adults.

HBOT has been suggested as a possible treatment due to its ability to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected area.

Decompression Sickness (DCS)

Also known as "the bends," DCS is a condition that affects scuba divers who surface too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood and tissues.

Arterial Gas Embolism

Occurs when air or gas bubbles enter the bloodstream, obstructing blood flow and potentially causing serious damage to vital organs.

HBOT helps to shrink the gas bubbles and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of organ damage and other complications.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Can be life-threatening, as it prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin in the blood, leading to hypoxia and cellular damage.

Chronic Non-Healing Wounds

Examples include diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, which often result from poor circulation and decreased oxygen levels in the affected tissue.

HBOT enhances wound healing by increasing oxygen levels, reducing inflammation, and promoting the growth of new blood vessels.

Crush Injuries and Compartment Syndrome

These injuries result from extreme pressure or force, leading to tissue damage, swelling, and reduced blood flow.

HBOT helps to decrease swelling, improve oxygen delivery to injured tissues, and promote healing.

Osteomyelitis (Refractory)

A bone infection that can be difficult to treat with antibiotics alone, particularly when the infection is chronic or caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

HBOT assists in killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting bone healing.

Radiation Tissue Damage (Delayed Radiation Injury)

Occurs as a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer, causing damage to healthy tissue surrounding the treated area.

HBOT aids in healing radiation-damaged tissue by promoting the growth of new blood vessels and improving oxygen delivery.

Skin Grafts and Flaps

These procedures can sometimes fail due to poor blood flow, infection, or other complications.

HBOT helps to enhance graft or flap survival by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected area.

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The newest condition to the On-Label uses of HBOT