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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke Recovery: How It Can Help You Heal in Los Gatos 

A stroke can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s the sudden loss of motor function, speech, or the ability to think clearly, the aftermath of a stroke can be overwhelming. If you’re living with the effects of a stroke, you might be seeking alternative treatments to help you recover and regain control over your life. One promising option is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). At the offices of Dr. Adam Fields in Los Gatos, we are dedicated to helping stroke survivors by offering personalized treatments that promote healing and recovery. Discover how HBOT supports your stroke rehabilitation and other complementary therapies like cranial adjustments, laser therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that work with HBOT.

Stroke: Symptoms, Causes, and Pathology

A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in the blood flow to a part of the brain. This interruption can result from either a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). The brain cells in the affected area become deprived of oxygen, leading to damage. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, the symptoms can vary but often include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
  • Confusion or trouble speaking and understanding speech.
  • Vision problems, such as blurry or double vision.
  • Dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
  • Severe headache with no known cause.

The damage to the brain tissue depends on how long the blood supply is interrupted. In the immediate aftermath of a stroke, medical intervention focuses on restoring blood flow, but the brain may continue to suffer from oxygen deprivation and inflammation, which can lead to long-term disabilities.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help Stroke Recovery

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, where the body is exposed to higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues throughout the body, including the brain. When it comes to stroke recovery, HBOT offers several benefits:

  1. HBOT and Enhanced Oxygen Delivery to Damaged Brain Tissue                
    Stroke damages the blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to affected areas. HBOT helps to supply oxygen to these compromised tissues, promoting healing and recovery. According to a study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, “HBOT has been shown to increase the oxygenation of brain tissue, promoting neuronal repair and regeneration” (Buraimoh et al., 2011).
  •  Gottfried, I., Schottlender, N., & Ashery, U. (2021). Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment—From Mechanisms to Cognitive Improvement. Biomolecules, 11(10), 1520.  https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11101520
  1. Neuroprotection and Reducing Inflammation with HBOT                  
    Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. When brain tissue is damaged during a stroke, inflammation can exacerbate the damage. A 2015 study in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases concluded that “hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides neuroprotective effects, reduces inflammatory responses, and enhances tissue repair in post-stroke patients” (Yeh et al., 2015). Reducing inflammation not only protects the brain but also helps improve the functional recovery of the brain’s neural pathways.
  • Liska, G. M., Lippert, T., Russo, E., Nieves, N., & Borlongan, C. V. (2018). A Dual Role for Hyperbaric Oxygen in Stroke Neuroprotection: Preconditioning of the Brain and Stem Cells. Conditioning Medicine, 1(4), 151. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6075658/
  1. HBOT Stimulating Neuroplasticity and Regeneration                 
    One of the most promising aspects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is its potential to stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. After a stroke, some brain cells may die, and others may be impaired. Through HBOT, the brain can form new connections around damaged areas, potentially restoring lost functions. Research published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair in 2017 stated, “HBOT is capable of promoting neuroplastic changes and functional recovery in patients post-stroke” (Soo et al., 2017).
  • Efrati, S., Hadanny, A., Beckman, R. L., Elamir, M., Sussman, E., & Maroon, J. C. (2024). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a neuromodulatory technique: A review of the recent evidence. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1450134. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1450134
  1. Improved Functional Outcomes with HBOT and Strokes                                
    Studies have shown that stroke patients who undergo multiple sessions of HBOT experience measurable improvements in motor function, speech, and overall quality of life. A study in the American Journal of Neuroradiology highlighted that “stroke patients treated with HBOT showed significant improvements in motor function and cognitive abilities compared to control groups” (Tibbles & Edelsberg, 1996). These outcomes include improved mobility, the ability to perform daily tasks, and a reduction in dependency on others. 
  • Hadanny A, Rittblat M, Bitterman M, May-Raz I, Suzin G, Boussi-Gross R, Zemel Y, Bechor Y, Catalogna M, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions of post-stroke patients – a retrospective analysis. 
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985478/

What to Expect from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke Recovery

At Dr. Adam Fields’ offices in Los Gatos, California, we tailor each treatment plan to meet the specific needs of our people who have had strokes. Typically, patients will undergo a series of sessions, with the exact number depending on the severity of their stroke and their individual response to treatment.  There is a step up to get into our hard-shell hyperbaric chamber and, if you need to be lifted to get into the unit, this may not be the machine for you. There are some that can push you in on a gurney. However, when only mild to moderate assistance is needed, we can be a good fit. 

Number of Sessions Needed for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

For most stroke survivors, 20 to 40 sessions of HBOT are recommended to see optimal results. These sessions generally last between 60 to 90 minutes and are conducted in a comfortable, relaxing environment. It’s important to note that the therapeutic effects of HBOT are cumulative, meaning the more sessions you complete, the more significant the improvement you’ll experience.

Expected Results from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy After Stroke

Stroke recovery is a gradual process, and while HBOT can significantly improve outcomes, it’s important to approach it with patience and consistency. After a series of treatments, you may begin to notice:

  • Improved cognitive function: Memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities may improve as oxygen helps to repair the brain’s neural networks.
  • Enhanced mobility and strength: Muscle weakness on the affected side of the body may decrease, leading to better motor coordination and strength.
  • Better communication: If speech was impacted, there may be improvements in speech clarity and understanding.
  • Increased independence: As mobility and cognitive function improve, many patients report being able to return to daily activities and require less assistance.

Complementary Therapies for Stroke Recovery

While HBOT is a powerful tool for stroke rehabilitation, we believe in taking a holistic approach to recovery. In addition to HBOT, we offer a variety of complementary therapies that can further support your healing journey.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Boosting Neuroplasticity

In addition to HBOT, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is another innovative therapy offered at our San Jose and Los Gatos offices to support stroke recovery. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions, enhancing neuroplasticity and improving functional recovery.

How TMS works for Stroke

TMS targets areas of the brain affected by the stroke and those that control neuroplasticity. By stimulating underactive brain regions, TMS can:

  • Improve motor recovery
  • Enhance cognitive function
  • Reduce post-stroke depression

TMS and HBOT

Combining Transcranial magnetic stimulation with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy creates a powerful synergy. While HBOT repairs brain tissue and enhances oxygen delivery, TMS fine-tunes brain activity, promoting functional reorganization. Together, these therapies can accelerate recovery and help patients regain independence.

Cranial Adjustments

Cranial adjustments involve gentle manipulations of the bones of the skull, helping to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and relieve pressure on the brain. This therapy can be especially beneficial for stroke survivors experiencing headaches, neck pain, or a lack of motor function. By restoring balance and promoting circulation, cranial adjustments can help accelerate the recovery process. Studies have shown that cranial adjustments can help improve neurological function and mobility after a stroke.

Dr Fields performs manual cranial bone mobilization with his hands over the cranial sutures of the skull and, often, goes in the mouth to perform these adjustments. If you are not on blood thinning medication, he may do Endonasal Cranial Adjusting or what has been called, “Craniofacial Release”.  Here a finger cot is placed on the end of an instrument that can inflate the cot within the nasal cavity. The cranial bones are adjusted from the inside out. Breathing improves greatly, CSF flow is optimized and the brain is better able to detoxify. See here for more information. 

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. In stroke rehabilitation, laser therapy can promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in affected areas of the brain and body. It is often used in conjunction with HBOT to enhance the effects of oxygen therapy, providing quicker relief from pain and swelling while boosting the body’s natural healing processes.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy involves sending high-energy sound waves into affected tissues to promote healing. For stroke survivors, ESWT can help reduce muscle spasticity, improve blood flow, and relieve pain. By enhancing tissue regeneration, it can aid in the rehabilitation of motor function and mobility. Studies have shown that ESWT is effective in reducing muscle stiffness and improving the overall function of stroke-affected limbs.

Why Choose Dr. Adam Fields for Your Stroke Recovery?

At Dr. Adam Fields’ office Los Gatos, we understand that stroke recovery is deeply personal. That’s why we offer a customized approach to your rehabilitation, integrating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, cranial adjustments, laser therapy and TMS to give you the best chance at recovery.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care in a compassionate and supportive environment. We take the time to understand your unique needs and design a treatment plan that will help you achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether you are dealing with cognitive difficulties, motor impairment, or other post-stroke challenges, we are here to help you get back to living the life you love.

Stroke recovery can be a long and challenging journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a range of complementary therapies, there is hope for significant improvement in your quality of life. At our office in Los Gatos, we offer a holistic, personalized approach to stroke rehabilitation that combines cutting-edge therapies with compassionate care. If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, contact us today to learn more about how HBOT, TMS, cranial adjusting and our other treatment options can help.

Let’s take the next step together on the path to recovery!