Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) is a relatively "new" treatment for Neurological Disorders. This is why we are putting together studies in conjunction with other Hyperbaric facilities to prove the efficacy of HBOT.

Most HBOT centers request SPECT scans before and after a patient has done a series of HBO treatments. These scans show in great detail the area's of blood flow in the brain. New technology in MRI's are being performed in conjunction with SPECT scans in order to show the improvement of blood flow to areas of the brain and to have a more accurate picture of the effects of HBOT.

MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Unlike typical MRI scans of the brain, this type of MRI scan measures the density and more importantly the motion of water contained in the axons. These images are usually acquired in more than 30 directions.

This type of MRI might reflect the differences in the strength of communication between processing areas in the brain.

Why PET Scanning?

Why does Mr. Cralle' opine that PET and MRI scanning are necessary to develop treatment goals?

Excerpt from "Cognitive Neuroscience" The Biology of the Mind, Third Edition. By Michael S. Gazzaniga, Richard B. Ivry, & George R. Mangun. pp 542

"They studied 50 patients, performing imaging and neuropsychological analysis within 48 hours of stroke. Because the patients in this study had suffered subcrotical strokes, these researchers were able to investigate intact cortex that might be functioning abnormally because the inputs and outputs from that cortex into subcortical white matter were disrupted. The imaging method was different from standard structural MRI or CT. HIllis's team used diffusion-weighted imaging and perfusion-weighted imaging. Diffusion-weighted MRI indexes the rate of water diffusion in tissue, which can be affected by the physiological state of the tissue. Perfusion-weighted MRI provides an index of capillary blood flow. So these methods identified the lesions and the effect of those lesions on the functioning of intact cortex."

"Spect Brain Scan Shows Brain Function and Has Documented Clinical Response to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy" by William S. Maxfield, MD, FACNM, Fifth Annual International Symposium for Hyperbaric Oxgyen Therapy and the Recoverable Brain.

"The Double Life of ATP" Scientfic American, Dec 2009

"Post Concussion Syndrome: Response to Hyperbaric Oxygen- A Case Report", Joseph A(1), Dickey, J(2), Baker, M(3).  1 Sports Medicine Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA. 2 Depts of Psychology & Family Medicine Residency, Idaho State U; 3 Idaho Hyperbarics & Wound Care, Pocatello, Idaho USA

"Neurons, Glia, and Their Systematic Interactions" pp 220-222, Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance, by James Oschman

"Scans can find tiny injuries to brain" Associated Press, Nov 10, 2009

"Blood test for brain injuries gains momentum" March 31, 2009

"A Light in the Brain"  January 2010 Scientific American

"Toxic Gas, Lifesaver"  March 2010 Scientific American

"The Brain's Dark Energy" March 2010 Scientific American

"The Elastic Brain" By Katherine Ellison