HBOT Improves
Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Several studies have
documented the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen in models of acute and
delayed crush injury. Intermittent exposure to hyperbaric hyperoxia serves to
interrupt the injury cycle of edema, ischemia and tissue necrosis (1),
as well as hemorrhagic hypotension (2), which in turn leads to
former edema and ischemia. Tissue ischemia is countered by the ability of
hyperbaric oxygen to elevate tissue oxygen tensions (3).
Furthermore, edema is reduced, secondary to hyperoxia-induced arteriolar
vasoconstriction (4), leading to improved tissue viability, thereby
reducing necrosis (1). Hyperbaric oxygen has also been studied in
models of peripheral nerve injury (5). Researchers from the US Air
Force School Aerospace Medicine and Louisiana State University recently sought
to determine what, if any, morphologic changes are associated with hyperbaric
oxygen treated peripheral nerve injury (6). Their model involved a
crushed sciatic nerve in the rabbit.
Exposure to
hyperbaric oxygen across the range of current clinical dose schedules was
compared to untreated, and pressure (hyperbaric air) controls. A pathologist
blinded as to group documented the extent of nerve regeneration via morphologic
analysis of electron micrographs. All of the animals exposed to hyperbaric
oxygen were reported to demonstrate advanced stages of a healed nerve, in
contrast to both control groups. As this research was limited to a determination
of regeneration of morphology, the exact effects of hyperbaric oxygen were not
known. The authors speculate, however, that there may be several suggesting
increased myelination, decreased edema, reduced internal collagen and
improvements in neurofilamentous material density. They conclude that this
study provides additional evidence of a link between tissue oxygen levels from
hyperbaric oxygen treatment and the health of peripheral nerves.
... all animals
exposed to hyperbaric oxygen "demonstrated characteristics expected of in
the advanced stages of a healed nerve"
Of the estimated 20
million people in the United States with diabetes, 3 million struggle with
DPN—and even patients with pre-diabetes and impaired glucose (blood sugar)
tolerance may have symptoms. The older the person is, the longer he or she has
had diabetes, and the less-controlled the disease, the greater chance of
feeling pain because of damaged nerves.
Fifty percent of
patients with long-standing diabetes have numbness, burning, electrical
sensations, stabbing, or shooting pain in their feet or legs—and it’s usually
worse at night. While the pain is uncomfortable, the lack of sensation can have
even worse consequences. If a person’s shoes fit improperly, are too tight,
have rough spots inside, or rub when the person walks, the blisters, abrasions
or cuts may not be felt. Because circulation is not as good as it is for people
without diabetes, these wounds can become infected and very difficult to heal.
Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy is a very effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy. By driving
oxygen deep into tissues, it reduces cell death and pain symptoms. Hyperbaric
oxygen also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, enabling the body to
increase effective oxygen and nutrient delivery. #HBOT www.hbot4u.com
