At HieOXY HBOT Center our aim is to understand your health thoroughly. Our team of medical experts, including physicians, neuropsychologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and nurses, conducts a detailed assessment of both your physical and cognitive functions.
Beginning with a careful physical examination by our experienced physicians, we use a combination of exams, interviews, and tests to provide a comprehensive evaluation. This collaborative approach ensures that we gain a detailed understanding of your current health status.
By examining various aspects of your well-being, our team works together to create a clear picture of your unique health profile. At [Hospital Name], we prioritize delivering precise assessments to guide us in customizing a health plan that suits you best. Your well-being is our utmost concern, and we are here to support you on your health journey.
The cognitive assessment consists of a certified neuropsychologist intake, as well as different cognitive assessment batteries. These tests ensure a thorough evaluation of your cognitive capabilities in the various domains.
We offer treatment for a variety of conditions approved by the FDA. As of October 8, 2011, there are 14 FDA-approved conditions for HBOT treatment. These conditions include:
Air or Gas Embolism
Air or gas embolisms occur when air escapes from the lungs into the blood vessels (arterial gas embolism) or when nitrogen bubbles form in the blood vessels (decompression sickness or “the bends”). These conditions can lead to serious and potentially fatal outcomes such as stroke or heart attack. Causes of an air embolism may include trauma, surgery, and decompression sickness, which particularly affects deep-sea divers. Symptoms of an air embolism may include breathing difficulty, chest pain, and confusion. Treatments for air or gas embolisms may involve hospital care, oxygen therapy, removal of air from the heart, and the use of a high-pressure chamber.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning? The most common signs of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. These symptoms are often likened to those of the flu. In severe cases, exposure to high levels of CO can lead to loss of consciousness or even death. CO toxicity disrupts the delivery and utilization of oxygen at the cellular level, impacting various organs, particularly those with the highest oxygen demands such as the brain and heart. The cellular hypoxia resulting from CO toxicity is due to the obstruction of oxygen delivery. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
Clostridial Myositis and Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
Gas gangrene, caused by Clostridium bacteria, is a severe soft tissue infection marked by rapid tissue death and gas production. It often arises from deep tissue trauma, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria release toxins, notably alpha and theta, which contribute to tissue necrosis and hinder the body’s inflammatory response. This condition progresses swiftly, with tissue destruction advancing at an alarming rate of up to 6 inches per hour.
Early treatment is critical to prevent death and preserve limb function. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has shown significant benefits when combined with surgery and antibiotics, reducing mortality rates by 50%. HBO therapy inhibits bacterial growth and toxin production while promoting tissue healing. Treatment typically involves HBO sessions at high oxygen tensions, followed by surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy tailored to the patient’s needs. This comprehensive approach helps halt the disease progression and allows for optimal tissue recovery.
If you suspect gas gangrene or have experienced deep tissue trauma, seek immediate medical attention to initiate timely and effective treatment.
Crush Injuries, Compartment Syndrome, and Other Traumatic Ischemia
Compartment syndrome, a painful condition, occurs when muscle pressure becomes dangerously high. Acute compartment syndrome is typically triggered by trauma, such as car accidents or fractures, while chronic compartment syndrome arises from repetitive, intense exercise.
Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that, if left untreated, can cause permanent muscle damage, disability, or even death. On the other hand, chronic compartment syndrome, often termed exertional compartment syndrome, usually resolves with rest or changes in activity levels.
Potential causes of compartment syndrome include severe bruising, car accidents, crush injuries, fractures, and sudden restoration of blood flow after circulation blockage. Anabolic steroid use can also contribute by promoting rapid muscle growth.
Symptoms of compartment syndrome may include visible muscle swelling, sensation of muscle fullness, numbness, excessive pain disproportionate to the injury, difficulty stretching the affected muscle, muscle tightness, and tingling or burning sensations in the skin or underlying tissues (paresthesia). If you experience these symptoms, seek prompt medical attention for evaluation and treatment.
Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness, also known as the bends or generalized barotrauma, results from a sudden decrease in surrounding pressure, whether in air or water. It most frequently affects scuba or deep-sea divers, but can also occur during high-altitude activities or in unpressurized aircraft. However, decompression sickness is rare in pressurized airplanes commonly used for commercial flights.
Symptoms of decompression sickness may include joint pain, dizziness, headache, difficulty concentrating, profound fatigue, tingling or numbness, weakness in the limbs, and a skin rash. If you experience any of these symptoms after exposure to changes in pressure, seek medical attention promptly.
Arterial Insufficiencies, Including Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) refers to the abrupt blockage of the central retinal artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the retina, rapid cellular deterioration, and vision impairment. The survival of retinal tissue hinges on collateral circulation and the duration of ischemia. Immediate diagnosis and early intervention to remove or dissolve the obstruction are essential to prevent irreversible retinal harm and potential blindness. If you suspect central retinal artery occlusion, seek prompt medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.
Anemia
Anemia, characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells and hemoglobin, results in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to symptoms such as pallor, fatigue, weakness, or shock. It can arise from various causes, including significant blood loss from trauma or internal bleeding, destruction of red blood cells due to illness, or abnormal production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be utilized as a supportive treatment for severe acute anemia. Acting as a bridge therapy, HBOT helps to enhance oxygen delivery to vital organs until the underlying acute anemia is effectively managed. If you or a loved one is experiencing severe anemia, consult with medical professionals to explore treatment options, including the potential use of HBOT
Intracranial Abscess
A brain abscess occurs when pus accumulates inside the brain due to infection or injury. This infection can be bacterial or viral and may spread from other parts of the body to the brain, breaching the blood-brain barrier. Causes can include ear infections or direct injury to the head. Brain abscesses are typically life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) offers several benefits in treating intracranial abscesses:
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a brain abscess, timely intervention with HBOT in conjunction with other medical treatments can improve outcomes and promote recovery.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “Flesh-eating bacteria” infection, is a severe and potentially fatal condition affecting the skin and soft tissues. It leads to ischemic dermal necrosis, often presenting with acute pain and swelling. Skin changes may not be initially apparent, and pain can exceed what is visible on the skin due to deep tissue involvement. As the infection progresses, blistering and bullae formation occur, accompanied by darkening of the skin indicating dermal ischemia. Timely medical intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications
Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone or marrow, poses challenges in treatment due to poor blood vessel penetration by antimicrobials. Refractory osteomyelitis, which does not respond to initial treatment or recurs, requires aggressive management. Surgical debridement and culture-directed antibiotics are standard approaches. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended by the American Heart Association for chronic, refractory cases. It has shown efficacy, especially in diabetic foot ulcers complicated by osteomyelitis. Early identification and treatment of bone infections are essential for effective wound healing and prevention of complications
Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis)
About 1.2 million cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, with half of patients undergoing radiation therapy. Around 5% of these patients experience serious radiation complications, totaling approximately 30,000 cases each year.
Radiation doses are measured in Rads and Grays, with 1 rad equaling 1 centigray (cGy) or 100 ergs of energy per gram of tissue. Delayed radiation effects often manifest when additional insults to the tissue, such as surgery or trauma, occur.
In the United States, about one-third of patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy are treated for late effects of radiation therapy (LERT). While radiation therapy is effective in treating cancer, it can also damage non-malignant tissues, leading to delayed radiation injury months or even decades after treatment. Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, this remains a challenge.
Compromised Grafts and Flaps
Recent Advances: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has proven effective in salvaging compromised grafts and flaps by enhancing oxygenation, fibroblast function, neovascularization, and reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury. HBO increases the likelihood and size of composite graft survival, improves skin graft outcomes, and enhances flap survival.
Critical Issues: Traditional strategies for compromised grafts or flaps involve local wound care, surgical debridement, and repeated reconstruction, leading to added costs, time, reoperations, morbidity, and psychosocial effects. Preserving compromised tissues through HBO therapy can minimize these issues and optimize reconstructive outcomes.
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is characterized by rapid hearing loss of unknown cause, leading to permanent morbidity. Treatment options include corticosteroids, vasodilators, immunosuppressants, and antiviral medications, although controversies exist. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown promising results when combined with steroid therapy, improving outcomes in ISSNHL patients. Further research is needed to establish standardized treatment guidelines and assess long-term efficacy and safety.
Acute Thermal Burn Injury
Burn injuries are common and can have significant impacts on patients’ well-being, often leading to slow recovery, infection, and scarring. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment aimed at improving healing by increasing oxygen supply to the burnt area. While some studies suggest potential benefits in healing time, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of HBOT in burns patients