Currently the world population sits at 8 billion, and of those 8 billion people, 1 billion people are affected by some sort of neurological disorder. World-wide, 6.8 million deaths related to these neurological disorders occur. Clearly, there is a widespread effect and impact of neurological disorders across the globe, and we must look to ways to improve the quality of life for those affected by them.
What is a Neurological Disorder?
Neurological disorders refer to any disorder affecting the nervous system, be it a structural, biochemical, or electrical issue. There are a range of symptoms felt including paralysis, loss of muscle strength, poor coordination, and changes to brain function and altered levels of consciousness. Regaining even partial neurological activity and function would be a huge win for these individuals, and studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapies (HBOT) may aid in this victory.
HBOT for the Use of Neurological Disorders
As a reminder, HBOT increases levels of oxygen flow directed to the brain which can help repair and recover the tissues of the brain and increase the growth of neuronal stem cells leading to overall improved cognitive function. Prior clinical studies have weeded out the following benefits by using HBOT for neurological conditions: improving brain function and performance, reducing neuroinflammation, and increasing regeneration of the nervous system. Taking a closer look at what comes together to create these overarching effects:
Improve Brain Function and Performance
- Stimulate angiogenesis, the production of new blood vessels
- Improve cerebral oxygenation
- Enhance memory and mental performance
Reduce Neuroinflammation
- Reduce cerebral edema, or swelling
- Decrease intracranial pressure
- Reduce cerebral infarction, the obstruction of blood supply
- Reduce blood brain barrier breakdown
- Minimize oxidative stress
Increase Regeneration of the Nervous System
- Stimulate neurogenesis
- Promote proliferation and mobilization of neural stem cells
- Facilitate neuroplasticity
Clinical Studies Proving HBOT Efficacy for Neurological Conditions
These benefits can affect all kinds of neurological conditions, including the neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, as well as neurological injuries like stroke and concussion. In a previous article, we’ve referenced treating individuals with cerebral palsy with HBOT. In this case, we look at a study looking at the efficacy of HBOT in improved brain function for individuals affected by mTBI or mild traumatic brain injuries that lead to chronic neurocognitive impairments in function. The study investigated 56 mTBI patients 1-5 years post initial injury and evaluated their prolonged post-concussive symptoms. Researchers divided participants into two groups, the treated group, and the crossover group. Those in the first group were assessed based on their baseline brain function and quality of life prior to any treatment and then again after 40 HBOT sessions were completed. The second group was assessed three times – once at baseline, once after a two-month control period in which they underwent no HBOT sessions, and a third time after 2 months of 40 HBOT sessions. Results of the study showed improvements in brain function and quality of life in both treated and crossover groups after use of HBOT, but no significant improvements in the crossover group following the control no HBOT period. The results used SPECT imaging scans to show that following HBOT, patients showed increased brain function, neuroplasticity, and overall increased brain activity. This illustrates a major win and point for the use of HBOT for those suffering from any kinds of neurological conditions that may result in cognitive impairment or decreased function.
