Side Effects And Possible Complications Of Hbot
During HBOT, you lie on a table in an enclosed chamber and breathe oxygen while the pressure inside the chamber is slowly increased. The therapy may last as little as 3 minutes or as long as 2 hours before the pressure is returned to normal levels. Because the pressure is so high, some people may have discomfort while in the chamber. You may have ear pain or a popping feeling in your ears.
To prevent oxygen poisoning, you may need to take short breaks during the therapy and breathe normal air. This can prevent tissues in the body from taking in too much oxygen.
The oxygen dose given during the treatment should be determined specifically for each person. Your healthcare provider will consider any health problems you have, as well as your overall health and your age. This helps to reduce the risk for side effects and complications.
Possible symptoms or side effects after HBOT can include fatigue and lightheadedness. More severe problems can include:
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Fluid buildup or bursting of the middle ear
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Changes in vision, causing nearsightedness, or myopia
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Oxygen poisoning, which can cause lung failure, fluid in the lungs, or seizures
Side effects are generally mild as long as:
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The therapy doesnt last more than 2 hours
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The pressure inside the chamber is less than 3 times that of the normal pressure in the atmosphere
Complications Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy , you breathe pure oxygen inside a highly pressured environment. Often, pressure in the chamber is between 1.5 and 3 times greater than normal air pressure.
This therapy was first seen in the U.S. in the early 20th century. It was later used by undersea medicine specialists to treat deep-sea divers who developed decompression sickness It is now used to treat many conditions from severe burns to carbon monoxide poisoning. But like all medical procedures, it has some risks.
Important Points About The New Medications
With multiple new medications available for the treatment of PD, there is more hope than ever that Parkinsons symptoms can be successfully managed for many years. A few things to consider:
- For people whose symptoms are difficult to control, these new treatments are welcome additions to what was previously available and many people with PD have been using these new medications with significant benefit.
- On the other hand, many of the newly-approved medications have the same mechanisms of action as older medications so they are not breaking new ground in treating symptoms.
- In addition, for some people, the effect on symptoms may be mild or not substantial.
These caveats may mean that your physician has not suggested a medication change for you. It is also important to note that despite all the new medications, carbidopa/levodopa remains the most potent medication to treat the motor symptoms of PD.
If your doctor does choose to try one of the new options, there may be multiple paths that your doctor can take when contemplating a medication adjustment. Often trial and error is the only way to determine the best medication regimen for you, so you may need to practice some patience as you work together with your doctor to determine what works or doesnt work.
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Hyperbaric Therapy As Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells, up to 800% more after twenty sessions! Research suggests that HBOT can improve neurological outcomes by increasing enzymes in the body that protect cells and prevents neuronal damage. It has also been shown to decrease depression, anxiety, and tremors in patients with Parkinsons Disease.
Source:
Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly that is characterized by typical motor symptoms such as resting tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait disturbances . The conventional therapy using levodopa and dopamine agonists for Parkinsons disease focuses primarily on relieving motor symptoms. Another therapy for Parkinsons disease includes chronic exercise . However, it is difficult to completely prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons with these therapies.
Exposure to mild hyperbaric oxygen at 12661317 hPa with 3545% oxygen increases the level of oxygen in blood, especially the oxygen dissolved in blood plasma, and facilitates oxidative metabolism in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle in cells and tissues . Metabolic syndrome , lifestyle-related diseases , and arthritis are inhibited and/or improved when rodents are exposed to mild hyperbaric oxygen.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Alleviates Tremors
- 5 PD suffers all underwent HBO, all 5 patients reported a decrease in tremors and an overall improvement in general wellbeing.
- The benefit appeared to sustained for approximately up to 5 months from the original treatment.
- And if the benefit disappeared at some point, re-establishment of HBO introduced the benefits again.
- There were no complications
- The group reported balance cerebral glucose metabolism, which indicated an improved oxygenation and energy production of the injured brain.
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What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a gradual degenerative neurological disease that primarily affects dopamine-producing neurons in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra, resulting in unintentional or uncontrollable movements such as shaking, rigidity, and trouble with balance and coordination.
Motor symptoms such as tremors at rest, stiffness, bradykinesia, and gait abnormalities are hallmarks of Parkinsons disease.
The onset of symptoms is often slow and progressive. Patients may experience mobility issues and speech impairments as their disease worsens.
Changes in mood and behavior, trouble sleeping, sadness, memory loss, and exhaustion are also possible.
The onset of symptoms is typically localized to one side of the body or one leg. The sickness finally spreads to both hosts and causes death.
Nonetheless, it is possible that one side of the body is experiencing more severe symptoms than the other.
Parkinsons disease presents itself and progresses at different rates in different people. The earliest manifestations of this illness are subtle and develop over time.
While anybody is at risk of getting Parkinsons, certain studies have found that men are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
The exact cause is unknown, but researchers are looking at what can put someone over the edge of vulnerability. Age is an apparent risk factor. Those above the age of 65 make up over 70% of those who are diagnosed with Parkinsons.
New Medications For Off Time
A number of new medications approved recently are designed to reduce OFF time. These medications fall into two major categories:
- Medications that lengthen the effect of a carbidopa/levodopa dose
- Medications that are used as needed if medication effects wear off
Well give specific examples below. In general, new medications that extend the length of a carbidopa/levodopa dose are used if OFF time is somewhat predictable and occurs prior to next dose. New medications that are used as needed are most beneficial when OFF time is not predictable.
New medications that lengthen the effect of a dose of carbidopa/levodopa
Previous restrictions on the intake of foods containing tyramine with selective MAO-B inhibitors have been relaxed by the Food and Drug Administration . However, MAO-B inhibitors can interact with other medications, such as certain antidepressants, nasal decongestants, and narcotic pain medications. Typically, if a person is undergoing a procedure in the hospital and is taking a selective MAO-B inhibitor, they are advised to stop the medication two weeks prior to the procedure and to restart it 1-2 weeks after the procedure to avoid any unintentional medication interactions.
New formulations of levodopa designed to be used as needed if medication effects wear off
Other medications used as needed if medication effects wear off
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Hypoxia As A Novel Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Study Rationale:Many anecdotes suggest that people with Parkinsons disease can experience a marked improvement in symptoms when they travel to the mountains or during flights at high altitude. This remarkable effect may be explained by the lower levels of oxygen which according to interesting laboratory work can stimulate the production of dopamine, the chemical compound missing in the brains of people with PD. Repeated exposure to brief periods of hypoxia may even stimulate the brains dopamine system to adjust itself in a beneficial way.
Hypothesis:Hypoxia could be a new treatment for Parkinsons disease, to improve symptoms and perhaps to slow down the disease progression.
Study Design:In Study A, we will test four different treatment protocols of hypoxia and one control condition , to determine how hypoxia can best improve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. This study involves 15 participants tested in a special laboratory where we can carefully check the clinical effects plus the safety of this new treatment. The most promising hypoxia protocol will then be tested in Study B, where 20 participants are treated at home, three times a week, for four weeks. Twenty other participants receive a treatment that appears identical but with normal oxygen levels . We will assess the safety and feasibility of this home-based treatment, determine whether longer treatments provide greater benefit, and evaluate how long the improvements last after the treatment.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy For Parkinsons Disease:
We recommend pulsed electromagnetic field therapy due to its supportive healing effects for those with Parkinsons Disease . PEMF therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, two key contributors to PD pathogenesis. Since PEMF therapy is incredibly low-risk, non-invasive, and relatively quick , we recommend it to nearly all patients receiving care for PD at Extivita.
References
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Common Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
The main symptoms of Parkinsons disease, such as tremors, shaking, and difficulty moving, can be treated with medication.
Levodopa is the primary treatment for Parkinsons disease. Levodopa is used by nerve cells to synthesize dopamine, which is then used to restore the brains natural supply.
The medicine carbidopa is typically taken in conjunction with levodopa. Carbidopa lessens the severity of levodopas negative effects on the body, such as nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and agitation.
It also decreases the dosage of levodopa required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors are two other common treatments for Parkinsons disease that aim to improve motor symptoms.
However, not all of the available treatments are helpful for everyone, and each has its own set of side effects, both immediate and cumulative.
Damage to dopaminergic neurons is a common cause of mental symptoms in Parkinsons patients.
While its origins remain mysterious, most research points to genetics and the environment factors.
Medication might slow or stop the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, but theres no guarantee it will stop it altogether.
Levodopa and other dopamine agonists are not without their side effects. In the early stages of PD treatment, patients may have nausea, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension in the later stages of the disease, patients may experience dyskinesia, visual hallucinations, and mental problems.
Iv Therapy For Parkinsons Disease:
We highly recommend our glutathione IV due to the GSH deficiency that has been observed in Parkinsons Disease . This deficiency is present in the substantia nigra of patients with PD, and the level of deficiency appears to be correlated with disease severity.
GSH is the bodys master antioxidant. It directly protects your cells from the oxidative stress that causes cellular damage in the SN. Without appropriate levels of GSH, your cells are at an increased risk of damage from free radicals and oxidative stress. Thankfully, studies have shown that replenishing intracellular GSH levels can prevent oxidative damage and maintain mitochondrial function in dopaminergic cells, which are the main cells damaged in PD. While GSH IV treatment cannot prevent the occurrence of symptoms, it significantly slows down the occurrence of symptoms and improves existing symptoms.
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Parkinsons Disease:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial for those with Parkinsons Disease due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, decrease neuroinflammation, and improve mitochondrial function.
In people with PD, oxidative stress contributes to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra . The SN is the part of the brain involved in physical movement, so degeneration of these neurons can cause physical symptoms like tremors, slow movements, muscle stiffness and loss of automatic movements. HBOT is known to decrease oxidative stress, which may help relieve neuronal damage and the resulting physical symptoms.
Oxidative stress also leads to dysregulation of the inflammatory response, which is associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. HBOT upregulates defense mechanisms that help decrease neuroinflammation, therefore it may aid in reducing risk of PD disease progression. HBOT also improves mitochondrial function, something which is believed to be damaged in those with PD.
Characteristics Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Disease is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 2-3% of the populations ages 65 and older. Traditional treatment methods are typically focused on relief from motor symptoms. Research shows overwhelming evidence that oxidative stress has a major role in neuronal degeneration. This, combined with an imbalance in antioxidant defense and repair mechanisms may lead to the loss or death of neurons in the part of the brain that plays a critical role in motor movement. Up to 40-60% of patients with Parkinsons Disease often experience symptoms of anxiety and depression as well, which can worsen the neuromotor symptoms of Parkinsons Disease.
- Tremors at rest
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The Power Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Inducing neuroplasticity and enhancing neurological and cognitive capabilities, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an innovative biological treatment method.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown promise in treating the neurodegenerative symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
In a hyperbaric chamber, patients can breathe 100% oxygen as part of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The interior air pressure is increased so that it is greater than the atmospheric pressure outside.
When the oxygen content of the air is high, and the atmospheric pressure is high, the lungs are able to take in more oxygen, and there is more oxygen in the blood plasma.
Tissues that need it to repair and fight off infections benefit from increased oxygen delivery from increased blood oxygen levels.
During treatment, the patient will spend 90-120 minutes per day lying on a bed inside a hyperbaric chamber.
Many doctors recommend a series of 20 sessions for new patients. Depending on how far along the wound is and how many complications have arisen, treatment times may need to be stretched out even further.
Diving to depths of 3345 feet below sea level is mimicked inside a pressurized cylinder filled with 100 percent oxygen. Because of the boost in pressure, more oxygen may be dissolved into the plasma .
The oxygen content of the air we breathe averages around 21 percent. In a hyperbaric chamber, patients can expect to breathe in oxygen concentrations of about 200 to 240 percent.
Our Approach To Parkinsons Disease
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells, up to 800% more after 20 sessions! Research suggests that HBOT can improve neurological outcomes by increasing enzymes in the body that protect cells and prevents neuronal damage. It has also been shown to decrease depression, anxiety, and tremors in patients with Parkinsons Disease.
QEEG & Neurofeedback Therapy
A Quantitative EEG shows us electrical activity of the brain. We will be able to see if inflammation is present, if there are any areas of hyper- or hypoactivity, and any areas of disconnect. Using this information, we approach Parkinsons Disease with an intensive NFB program of two thirty-minute sessions per day for ten days, focusing on the area of the brain most affected, those that affect motor function, sensory, and/or emotional regulation.
Glutathione
Research has shown that Parkinsons patients may not have enough glutathione to combat the oxidative stress in the brain. By maintaining glutathione levels in the brain, we can decrease the number of injured cells. Research has shown that IV glutathione can improve speech, hypomimia, rigidity, pronation and supination of hands, posture, gait, balance, and hypokinesia. Glutathione has antioxidant properties that help protect cells in the brain and may slow disease progression.
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Treating Parkinsons Disease With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Approximately 40-60% of people with Parkinsons disease also experience psychological symptoms.
Care for patients with Parkinsons is complicated by the fact that psychiatric disorders can worsen the diseases neuromotor symptoms.
Previous studies have shown that the patients quality of life is diminished, and the caregivers burden is increased when psychiatric symptoms are comorbid with Parkinsons disease.
There is a lack of effective treatments for the psychological difficulties experienced by Parkinsons patients.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown in numerous studies over the past few decades to slow the progression of vascular dementias like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treats Parkinsons Disease through an increase in oxygen supply and tissue oxygen partial pressure , a decrease in cerebral swelling, improved tissue healing and angiogenesis, and a boost in metabolism.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with concentrations ranging from 35 to 45% oxygen, elevates blood oxygen levels, notably the oxygen-dissolved blood plasma, and promotes oxidative metabolism in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle in cells and tissues.
Twenty sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase stem cell release by as much as 800%, reduce inflammation by 90%, and increase new blood vessel formation by 70%.
Because of this, conditions including metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and other lifestyle-related disorders improve.