Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Acute Indications

Cerebral hypoxia

Cerebral hypoxia is a condition in which the brain does not get enough oxygen. This can lead to brain damage and can have serious consequences such as speech difficulties, gait problems, memory loss or even death.

Hyperbaric therapy can be successfully used to treat cerebral hypoxia by increasing blood flow and improving oxygen supply to the brain. Benefits of HBOT for cerebral hypoxia may include improved cognitive function, memory and motor skills, as well as reduced inflammation and pain associated with the condition.

The main causes of cerebral hypoxia where HBOT is recommended include cerebral oedema, carbon monoxide, cyanide or smoke poisoning, diving accidents, gas embolism, stroke, IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction), intrauterine/birth hypoxia, massive bleeding, acute traumatic brain injury.

Gaseous embolism

Gaseous embolism is a condition that occurs when air or other gases get into the bloodstream and get trapped in blood vessels, which can cause circulation problems and have serious consequences such as heart failure, tissue damage and even death. Gaseous embolism can occur after certain medical procedures, such as general anaesthesia or mechanical ventilation, or can be caused by trauma, fractures or other conditions.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective way to reduce the size of emboli, reduce reperfusion injury and increase the rate at which gas bubbles are cleared from the lungs.

Acute spinal injuries

Acute spinal injuries are serious traumas that can affect the spine and lead to problems with mobility and function. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be successfully used to treat acute spinal injuries caused by acute spinal cord injury or acute spinal cord ischaemia.

Benefits may include improved blood circulation, reduced pain and discomfort, improved motor function and mobility, and accelerated healing.

Septic states

Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when an infection spreads into the bloodstream and affects the whole body. This can lead to circulation problems, respiratory problems and problems with organ function, even death.

The main causes of septic conditions for which hyperbaric therapy may be effective include: acute infections with polyresistant bacteria, peritonitis, fulminant infections (anthrax, botulism, tetanus, gas gangrene, Fournier's gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis, bubonic plague, modified pathogens, etc.); brain abscess, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, infected bone trauma, malignant otitis externa or mastoiditis.

Hyperbaric therapy acts through several physiological mechanisms that may be beneficial in septic conditions, including restoration of mitochondrial function, improved microvascular function and organ perfusion, decreased capillary leakage, improved cytokine profile, direct antimicrobial effects and improved antibiotic function.

Acute peripheral ischemia

Acute peripheral ischaemia is a condition in which blood flow to one or more limbs is interrupted or reduced, which can lead to tissue damage, including necrosis and therefore mobility problems.

The main causes of acute peripheral ischaemia, for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial, include: crush trauma and post-traumatic reperfusion syndrome, fractures, compartment syndrome, post-operative reperfusion syndrome in vascular surgery, skin and myocutaneous transplants and replantation of accidentally amputated limbs.

Burns (thermal, chemical and radiation), burns, frostbite

Hyperbaric therapy can help treat burns through several mechanisms:

Increased oxygen flow: by breathing pure oxygen at a higher pressure than normal atmospheric pressure, the amount of oxygen reaching the skin and tissues can be increased. This can help speed up the healing process of burns by stimulating new tissue growth and collagen formation, which is an important element in the healing process.

Reducing inflammation: HBOT can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of molecules called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory process.

Inhibiting infections: HBOT can help prevent or treat infections by increasing the concentration of oxygen in the tissues, which can help destroy bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections.

Increased resistance to hypoxia: HBOT can help improve tolerance to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) by increasing the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood, which can help transport oxygen to tissues more efficiently.

Acute hypoacusis

Acute hypoacusis is a sudden decrease in hearing, which can be caused by various factors such as middle ear infections, acoustic trauma or the use of ototoxic drugs.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help treat acute hearing loss by increasing the amount of oxygen reaching the inner ear, which is particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation.

Other acute conditions

With 14 FDA-approved conditions, over 30 conditions approved by the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM), and hundreds of completed and ongoing clinical trials, the scientific community continues to explore potential benefits for dozens of major conditions.

To find out more details about the most important scientific studies in the field of hyperbaric medicine, visit this section: Scientific references

Safety and effectiveness of HBOT

The information provided by the FDA as well as numerous studies show that when applied properly, in accredited medical centers, hyperbaric therapy can be considered one of the safest medical treatments available.

To safely benefit from the studied effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy it is important to ensure at least three things:

• The hyperbaric chamber is medically accredited and operated by certified personnel according to the regulations in force.
• The pressure in the chamber can reach 3 ATA. (ATA pressure is composed of the value of the atmospheric pressure 1 bar + the value of the additional pressure in the hyperbaric chamber)
• Oxygen inspired during therapy must have a purity greater than 99.5%. For more technical details but also for information on the different types of hyperbaric chambers, click here: Medical HBOT or mild HBOT chambers?