STROKE AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY This article is written in a technical format for health care professionals. A more detailed, comprehensive article on Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury will be available in this section soon. The time from primary brain injury to the occurrence of irreversible damage varies considerably, depending upon the severity of the injury and degree of hypoxia. There is clinical and experimental evidence suggesting that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment is beneficial in reducing mortality and improving the functional recovery of survivors. RATIONALE: Trauma to areas of the brain may result in an inadequate oxygen supply. This results in the conversion of aerobic glucose metabolism to anaerobic metabolism causing acidosis and depletion of cellular energy. This in turn also causes high intracellular concentrations of calcium. Cellular acidosis and excessive concentrations of calcium activate various enzymes that precipitate the degradation or conversion of various important intracellular proteins. HBO2 increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, therefore decreasing the possibility of hypoxia. HBO2 causes vasoconstriction without reducing the tissue oxygen concentration. The HBO2 induced vasoconstriction also reduces swelling. Additional studies will help us to determine optimal treatment frequency and duration protocols. Source: Enhanced Recovery of Chronic Stroke Patients with the Combination of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Physical Therapy and EEG Biofeedback. Steenblock, D. Accepted for publication. Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. Presented as a poster session at the National Stroke Association 9th Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, 1997. Investigational Indications Lyme Disease | Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) Spider Bite | Other Research Areas Chico Hyperbaric Center Telephone: Email: Chico Hyperbaric Center Web Site Developed & Hosted by Access Now 2000. Copyright © 1999-2001. All Rights Reserved. #