HBOT is a medical treatment that helps the body heal itself by making additional oxygen available to body tissues, or organs, that because of illness or trauma are not receiving an adequate supply. Therapeutically, HBOT has a positive effect on the central nervous system (the brain); it reduces swelling, repairs the blood-brain barrier, and stabilizes cell membranes. It increases the ability of wh
ite blood cells to clean up damaged areas, and ultimately creates a whole new supply of blood vessels (angiogenesis). Much of the damage associated with injured tissue occurs when blood supply comes back into the injured area - white blood cells (the soldiers of the immune system) activate inappropriately - HBOT reduces this injury by preventing such activation. If brain tissue is damaged, for example, HBOT can be promptly used to deliver the necessary oxygen the tissues require to stay alive, control the damage and promote healing. What is a treatment like? A patient receiving HBOT at HHI will spend about an hour (per dive) in our Multi-place chamber, which can accommodate up to ten adults plus an attendant. The multi-place chamber contains compressed air with the oxygen delivered via a hood once the prescribed chamber pressure is reached. 100% oxygen is a prescription drug, so HBOT must be prescribed. Treatments are not painful, but it is important for the patient to pay attention to how they feel. The sensation of increasing atmospheric pressure is similar to when an airplane is descending and one must equalize pressure (pop ears) frequently. This will prevent barotrauma (pain in the ear), the most frequent complication (fewer than 5% report slight discomfort). While there are risks with any treatment (even taking an aspirin has risks) the risks of HBOT are minimal, and there is no recovery period - normal activity can resume immediately after a treatment.
