How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
Normally, the red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, oxygen is carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked since it is dissolved into all of the body's fluids including the plasma, the central nervous system fluids, the lymph, and the bone. Moreover, extra oxygen is able to nourish the damaged tissues making the body capable of its own healing process. The increased oxygen also greatly improves the body's infection control as it enhances the function of the white blood cells and promotes formation of new blood vessels in the affected areas.
Inactive or damaged neurons receive just enough oxygen to survive but not enough to function or fire electrically. With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the neurons become reactivated and are facilitated for function once again. The reactivation of these cells leads to plasticity, which enables the brain to learn or relearn the skills. This is necessary for proper function of both the body and the brain, which makes new connections for recovery of trunk, limb and muscle movement. It also affects the brain, as it relates to cognitive functions.
Plasticity or neuro-plasticity is one of the most widely celebrated discoveries in the 21st century. It is a mechanism that proves that brain repair is possible. It involves the redirection and reeducation of neurons to create new pathways to learn and improve both cognitive and motor skills. Plasticity follows any brain injury when the brain and body compensate and attempt to overcome and rewire their connections to learn to take over the tasks of the damaged neurons.
What to Expect from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Routine hyperbaric treatments last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Treatments are painless. As the air pressure changes in the chamber, the patient's ears will have a sense of fullness similar to flying in an airplane. If the patient experiences any pain during the treatment, the hyperbaric attendent should be notified immediately.
If wound care is required, the wound care and/or hyperbaric staff will perform dressing changes on patients prior to or immediately after their treatment. Patients will be assigned a specific time for their care. The hyperbaric physician will see a patient based on his/her condition. The hyperbaric staff will update the physician on the patient's progress.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Feels
At the start of the treatment, some patients experience a sensation similar to that felt while taking off and landing in an airplane. As the chamber pressure builds, it is common to feel the same sensation in the ears as in an airplane. Towards the end of the treatment the pressure is released and the ears equalize automatically. Most patients rest comfortably throughout treatment. Many read, sleep, watch TV, or listen to music. Because the temperature increases during pressurization, HBOT chambers have a cooling system to ensure patient comfort.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safety
HBOT is prescribed by a physician and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks, like all medical treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe and performed by a highly skilled technician under our doctor's guidance and care.
The Pressure Used for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Patients Medical's mono-place chambers operate at treatment levels from 1 atmosphere to 3 atmospheres of pressure. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Director will determine the proper treatment pressure based on the patient's medical condition, use of established Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy protocols, and the patient's response to the therapy.
The Number of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatments Needed
The treatment's pressure and duration, as well as the number of treatments received, is determined by the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy doctor. This decision is based on the patient's diagnosis and their body's response to the therapy. In general, patients with chronic conditions usually receive a longer series of treatments than patients with acute conditions.
Next Steps:
Poor health can significantly affect your life. Improve your life by changing to good health. Call our patient coordinator at 1-212-679-9667 or click on Request an Appointment to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for evaluation and testing.
We are located at: Patients Medical PC, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 900 (Between 42nd & 43rd Street), Manhattan, NYC, New York, NY 10017.
Appointment Request
* Denotes a required field
|
|
Article Last Updated: 06/26/2009