It started off as a normal Sunday, but by 3:00 pm it was clear that it was no longer normal. Attempting to slow herself down after gaining too much speed, the 16 year old female skateboarder attempted to travel up a ramped area. the ramp , however, was too short and her speed was still to great. Flying off the ned of the ramp, the young long boarder firs lander on the right side of her face and then bounced, returning to ground by landing on the top of her skull. A quick phone call to 911 brought the rescue workers immediately. Their fast arrival and action were the first of many miracles that followed.
After evaluation and quick transport to the local trauma center, emergency surgery followed. The patient, who was in a coma and kept breathing on ventilators also recieved hyperbaric oxygen treatments. One of the newer treatments for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) and traumatic brain injuries, hyperbaric oxygen treatments have been shown to help patients adjust to their hyper sensitive conditions.
After a serious neck or head injury, many patients who come out of a coma have difficulty dealing with sensitivity to light and touch. As their bodies prepare to heal themselves, these patients can be initially extremely sensitive light and present symptoms of swelling, skin color and temperature changes, weakness, abnormal sweating, muscle atrophy, and subsequent depression. Fortunately for RSD sufferers and brain trauma patients, hyperbaric oxygen treatments can often provide effective treatment. A hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber can be especially effective for some patients.
Referred to as HBOT, this treatment is recognized by Medicare in the U.S. as a reimbursable treatment for as many as 14 conditions. While many patients are never cured form sympathetic dystrophy, they can often find relieve at RSD treatment centers. In addition, HBOT treatments are also helpful for patients suffering from stroke, radiation necrosis and chronic pain syndromes. In some cases, this medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure can allow patients to once again live pain free.
