Mechanisms of action of hyperbaric oxygenation in stroke: a review

Abstract

This article outlines the therapeutic mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygenation in acute stroke, based on information obtained from peer-reviewed medical literature. Hyperbaric oxygen is an approved treatment modality for ischemia-reperfusion injury in several conditions. It maintains the viability of the marginal tissue, reduces the mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic penumbra, and blocks inflammatory cascades observed in acute stroke. Basic and clinical data suggest that hyperbaric oxygen could be a safe and effective treatment option in the management of acute stroke. Further work is needed to clarify its clinical utility when applied within the treatment window of "gold standard" treatments (<3-5 hours).