Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the neurological benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a relatively new therapeutic tool for neurological conditions. It is mainly used for burns, major wounds or broken bones, and post-surgery, but there has been more research regarding HBOT and the brain. The air we breathe is only about 20% oxygen at 1 atmosphere of pressure. Most of the oxygen that we breathe into our lungs are carried in the blood by red blood cells to other body tissues.
Very little is dissolved into our blood plasma directly. However, HBOT at 60-100% oxygen at a pressure of 1.2-3.0 atmospheres causes the extra oxygen molecules to be carried in the plasma to tissues like the brain. This can increase energy and reduce healing times. For this reason, there is evidence that HBOT can be used for many neurological conditions like traumatic brain injury, Parkinson disease, stroke, and possibly cancer. Check out the video for more in depth information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the best candidates for treatment!
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