The Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinic of Santa Monica is a modern outpatient facility dedicated in providing the highest quality care available using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an American Medical Association (AMA) recognized medical treatment performed with high-pressure oxygen, which aids in the process of healing diseased or damaged tissues. Oxygen is essential to proper healing of bodily tissues, whether it's skin, muscle or bone. In most cases, the act of breathing combined with a healthy network of veins and arteries provide enough oxygen for body tissues to heal. However, in certain circumstances, hyperbaric oxygen treatment is used to substantially increase oxygen flow within tissues to improve healing.
Patients undergoing hyperbaric treatment are placed in a chamber where 100% oxygen is circulated. The oxygen is pressurized so that air pressure may be 2-3 times greater than normal. This allows the lungs and skin to absorb more concentrated oxygen in a shorter period of time.Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been employed for more than three decades, originally to relieve scuba and deep-sea divers of a dangerous condition called decompression sickness or "the bends." Today, HBOT is gaining widespread recognition for its value in new applications such as in the field of neuroregeneration. HBOT is now being used to treat neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and autism. Among its many benefits are the reduction of edema and shortening of healing time related to soft tissue injuries, skin grafts, and reconstructive or plastic surgery."
What are the mechanisms of HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat conditions which benefit from increased tissue oxygen availability. It has angiogenic properties (growing new small blood vessels) and stimulates the immune system. When a patient breathes pure oxygen at pressure ranging from two to three atmospheres, arterial oxygen tension rises from it’s normal of 90 mmHg to as much as 1800 mmHg. Due to the increased tension and introduction of 100% oxygen, large amounts of oxygen are dissolved in the plasma. Up to 15 times as much oxygen will be delivered to tissues than under normal circumstances. During this time, white cells are better able to kill bacteria in infected tissues. Collagen and fibroblasts are laid down to create a base for new capillary growth. This acceleration of capillary development is of particular importance to patients.
What is a SPECT Scan?
SPECT, or Single-Photon Emission-Computed Tomography, is a new advance diagnostic nuclear medical imaging procedure that provides "cross section" images of the body. Unlike MRI or CAT scans which only depict anatomy, SPECT scanning shows actual brain function. It can help your doctor see how blood is flowing through different areas within your brain, visualize brain metabolism, and make a better diagnosis of your conclusion.
During SPECT, a radioactive tracer agent is injected into a vein in the hand of arm. The tracer will localize in an area of the brain where it can be "photographed." Only viable tissue can absorb the tracer, which breaks down harmlessly within a few hours. A special gamma camera aimed at the head pinpoints the position and energy of photons emitted as the tracer disintegrates. As inert or dead cells do not absorb the tracer at all, SPECT can distinguish between living and dead, or necrotic, tissue. SPECT can identify recoverable brain cells (referred to as sleeping cells, idling neurons, or the ischemic penumbra.) If the living brain tissue is determined to be recoverable, in an electrically inactive or idling, HBOT can be beneficial. We use SPECT scanning as a baseline before and after a brief series of HBO treatments to identify viable but nonfunctional cells which are capable of being reactivated after oxygenation.
Regardless of whether they are traumatic (accidental) or vascular (stroke), all brain injuries share a resulting destruction of brain cells and the formation of "idling" neurons. Diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system problems necessitates the ability to distinguish between living and dead tissue. The is why SPECT scanning is useful in locating recoverable brain tissue in injuries caused by oxygen deprivation (anoxia). The data support the hypothesis that traumatic, vascular and anoxic brain injuries all have a common pathology which includes the possibility of recoverable brain tissue.
How should I prepare for HBOT?
Patients are asked not to consume carbonated drinks, coffee, or alcohol for at least 4 hours prior to treatment. Body products such as cosmetics, perfumes, and oils should be avoided. Personal items such as jewelry, contact lenses, and hearing aids are removed before treatment. Patients should eat an hour prior to HBOT to support adequate blood sugar levels, or have a banana or similar snack just prior to treatment.
What is the Chamber Like?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered in a private setting, in the largest state-of-the-art, monoplace chamber. The clear acrylic chamber allows our trained technicians to closely monitor you and permit you to readily see outside the chamber. You will be in constant communication with the attending technician via intercom or may watch TV, listen to music, or simply rest. We will provide you with a 100% cotton gown, linens, and pillows for use in the chamber.The treatment is painless. At times you may experience a sensation of pressure in your ears, which is similar to what you may feel in an airplane cabin.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects from undergoing HBOT are extremely rare. However, as with all medical treatment, HBOT does present some risks. Potential side effects will be discussed thoroughly with you before you consent to therapy.
How many treatments will I need?
The frequency and duration of treatments will be determined by the prescription given by your attending physician. Some emergency cases require only a few treatments, while other wound-healing and neurological cases may require 20-40 treatments due to gradual healing. If you do not have a prescription for HBOT, you may contact our facility and schedule a consultation with our Medical Director.
