How is effectiveness measured?
Most
people are familiar with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CAT
(computerized axial tomography) scans, which are superb at depicting
structural anatomy. However, neither is designed for or is capable of
measuring the brain activity.
A specialized tool, the SPECT (single photon, emission-computed tomography)
scan, has been proven effective in this task - and it is the primary tool
OHNC employs to objectively measure the effectiveness of HBOT on patients.
Specifically, SPECT scanning show actual brain functioning, in visual terms.
It can help doctors to see how blood is flowing through different areas
within a patient's brain, visualize brain metabolism, and make a better
diagnosis of his/her condition.
During SPECT scanning, a radioactive "tracer" agent is injected into a vein
in the hand or arm. The tracer localizes in an area of the brain where it
can then 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 (dead) cells do not absorb the tracer at all, SPECT
scanning can distinguish between living and dead (necrotic) tissue. SPECT
scanning can also identify between recoverable brain cells (referred to as
sleeping cells, idling neurons, or the ischemic penumbra). If the living
brain tissue is determined to be recoverable, or in an electrically inactive
or idling state, HBOT may substantially and/or permanently revive them.
At the OHNC, we use SPECT scanning as a baseline measurement tool - both
before and after a brief series of HBOT treatments. The following SPECT
scans are from actual OHNC patients:
Left: SPECT scans of the brain of a three year old
male near drowning patient shown shortly after the accident showing decreased
brain activity. The patient presented in a persistent vegetative state, and
was pronounced blind with severe spasticity.
Right: SPECT scans of the same child taken 9 months
later demonstrating increased brain activity and blood flow following 120
hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The child was now alert, responsive, laughing,
eating and drinking normally, walking, speaking bi-lingually, and had regained
normal vision.
Left: SPECT scans of the brain of a 72-year-old male suffering from
severe
and persistent dizziness.
Right: SPECT scan of the same
patient taken 3 weeks later with a complete resolution of dizziness.
