Supporting Brain and Body Function for Stroke Patients Through Hyperbaric Oxygen

A stroke can change life in an instant, leaving physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges in its wake. The road to recovery can feel impossibly difficult, but there is hope. At Aviv Clinics, we specialize in unique interventions, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke patients as part of a comprehensive, personalized program designed to enhance neurological and physical function.

Our post-stroke neurorehabilitation with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) draws on nearly two decades of clinical research. The Aviv Medical Program is a personalized plan that can combine HBOT with cognitive and physical exercises to help stroke survivors improve function and independence, even years after their initial stroke. Learn how Aviv’s tailored approach to stroke neurorehabilitation therapies can support your long-term functional goals.

Understanding Stroke and Its Impact on Post-Stroke Function

A stroke happens when part of the brain’s blood supply is cut off due to a clot or a blood vessel rupture. This impact stops the brain from receiving the oxygen it needs, causing brain cells to die.

• Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality.
• Stroke is the third highest cause of disability worldwide. 
• The prevalence of post-stroke cognitive impairment ranges from 20 to 80%.
• Survivors may suffer from some form of motor dysfunction or brain impairment (i.e., memory loss, difficulty focusing and processing information, and the inability to reason).

The Types of Stroke and How They Affect Stroke Patients

The primary types of stroke are:

• Ischemic stroke: Blood clots, fatty deposits (plaque), or other particles block the blood vessels to part of the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: A weakened artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures, putting too much pressure on brain cells and damaging them.
  
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Not a true stroke (often called a mini stroke or warning stroke). These are often caused by blood clots and symptoms should not be ignored.

Ischemic strokes make up 87% of all strokes (including TIAs), with hemorrhagic strokes comprising the other 13%.

Hope exists for stroke survivors with the Aviv Medical Program—a customized medical approach that can help stroke patients achieve improved performance and health.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), we may be able to help.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms Early for Better Post-Stroke Outcomes

Timely intervention is critical for treating strokes. Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability, and death. 

One helpful tool for remembering the key signs and symptoms of a stroke is the F.A.S.T. acronym:

• F–Facial drooping. Is the person able to smile normally? Does one side of the face droop? 
• A–Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms to equal height? Does one drift downward?
• S–Speech difficulty. Is the person slurring their words or having trouble communicating?
• T–Time to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Some people experience a stroke without realizing it. This is called a silent stroke. Symptoms may go unnoticed or be blamed on other health conditions. 

What are the Key Symptoms of a Silent Stroke?

Silent strokes often go unnoticed, but recognizing their subtle signs can help protect brain health. Key symptoms include memory lapses, difficulty thinking or reasoning, mood changes, balance issues, and vision problems. Early detection is crucial for reducing long-term neurological impact.

There are 10 symptoms and signs of a silent stroke.

1. A lapse in or loss of short-term memory

• Asking a friend to repeat instructions they just told you
• Unable to remember a recent activity you engaged in

2. A decreased ability to think or reason

• Games (e.g., Sudoku, crossword puzzles) are more difficult than usual
• Feeling frustrated about not being able to understand someone

3. Mood changes

• Suddenly irritable, anxious, apathetic, or depressed
• Crying or laughing for no obvious reason or at inappropriate times

4. Psychiatric disorders

• Having hallucinations or delusions 
• Engaging in unusual motor behavior (e.g., nibbling food at the dinner table or repeatedly banging your head)

5. Trouble with balance

• Experiencing dizziness or feeling like your head is spinning 
• Having trouble making quick adjustments to maintain balance 
• Stumbling or bumping into things

6. Movement or walking impairment

• Toes catching on the ground when walking
• Difficulty walking a short distance
• Trouble walking and talking at the same time 

7. Limb clumsiness

• Difficulty controlling hand motions
• Trouble typing on the computer
• Having a shaky leg
• Decreased hand-eye coordination

8. Incontinence

• Feeling the urge to urinate more often than usual 
• Consciously or unconsciously leaking urine or stool during the day or while asleep at night
• Trouble emptying your bladder completely

9. Headaches or migraines

• Having more headaches or migraines than usual 
• Getting long-term, persistent headaches
• Having headaches that become severe enough to disrupt your daily activities

10. Vision issues

• Only seeing clearly with intense concentration
• Experiencing double vision
• A decline in the field of vision

Aviv Medical Program for Stroke Patients: Advanced Therapy Including HBOT

Most stroke survivors are told that their recovery will plateau after about six months, with only the potential for minimal gains after this period. Gaining functions and abilities more than six months post-stroke requires working with a diverse medical team of physicians, nurses, and therapists.

Aviv Clinics leverages its multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality medical treatment tailored to your needs. Backed by nearly two decades of research, the Aviv Medical Program can combine the following interventions in a personalized program to help treat the body and brain after a stroke: 

• Cognitive training 
• Physical training and therapy
• Dietary coaching
• A specialized hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol

How The Aviv Medical Program for Stroke Patients Works

Aviv Clinics’ approach entails a three-step process: 

1. Medical assessment: We can diagnose the severity of the brain injury using the most advanced brain imaging tests suited to your needs, including MRI and/or SPECT. Depending on the client’s symptoms and primary concerns, our team can also conduct physical, cognitive, and neurological tests.
2. Tailored program: Our multidisciplinary clinical team uses your assessment results to develop a personalized, comprehensive therapy plan. Your physician’s plan can include cognitive and physical training, dietary coaching, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions.
3. Post-assessment and evaluation: At your request, we can repeat the tests from the initial assessment to measure your progress and make recommendations for ongoing progress. After your post-assessment, you’ll receive a detailed report of your results, including any cognitive and physical improvements.

Stroke Patient Success Stories: HBOT in Action

Upon suffering a stroke, Cindy sought the help of the Aviv Medical Program.

Learn what her program was like and how her brain and body benefited.

“Because of Aviv, I’m now walking without a cane. The fog and fear are gone. I got in a golf cart within six weeks from the time I started!”

“It didn’t take long at Aviv before I had the courage to try new things. The therapy I’ve gotten, it’s incredible.”

Speak with an Aviv team member to learn if you’re a candidate for our program.

 

Stay educated on stroke by joining our on-demand webinar.
Recovering After a Stroke: Is it ever too late?

 

Five Key Stages of Post-Stroke Function Enhancement

There are five support stages to post-stroke recovery. Each stage represents a milestone that gets you closer to optimal health.

1. Thinking, memory, and perception training: Neuropsychologists typically step in and assess measures of memory, learning, and processing speed. 
2. Communication and language training: Stroke patients with aphasia are often referred to speech-language pathologists (SLPs). SLPs help individuals relearn communication and language techniques. One study found that when early aphasia therapy is provided, “people have a massive increase in their ability to communicate at 12 to 26 weeks after their stroke.”  
3. Exercise and mobility training: Physical challenges are common among stroke survivors, meriting a physical therapist (PT) who can help patients relearn and regain physical activity. Consistent PT lowers the risk of hospital readmission among post-stroke patients. 
4. Nutritional training: Nutritional training can be beneficial, especially for those who are unable to swallow well or experience difficulties using their arms/hands to eat. Dieticians can also address those concerns and provide recommendations.
5. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): Nearly two decades of research illustrate the benefits of using a specific, unique HBOT protocol post-stroke. Aviv’s evidence-based HBOT protocol for stroke patients includes prescribed time in a pressurized suite, breathing in 100% oxygen at fluctuating levels. Researchers have noted significant improvement in stroke patients after treatment with HBOT, even several years after the stroke.

How Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Support Post-Stroke Function

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help stroke patients by increasing oxygen levels in damaged brain tissue, triggering natural cell repair mechanisms. The evidence-based protocol employed by Aviv Clinics has been shown in peer-reviewed research to support neuroplasticity, encourage new blood vessel growth, and enhance cognitive and motor function—even years after a stroke.

Aviv’s specialized HBOT protocol for stroke uses a scientifically validated process in which oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the session. As a result, HBOT for stroke patients:

• Increases oxygen levels in the body up to 20 times higher than normal, delivering oxygen to damaged cells injured by stroke.
• Triggers the body into cell repair and regeneration mode through precise fluctuations in oxygen
• Supports improvements in memory, attention, and motor skills
• Is most effective when combined with other interventions, like cognitive and physical exercises, which build a solid foundation for ongoing recovery.

Potential Benefits of HBOT for Stroke Patients: Cognitive, Physical and Cellular Improvements

When combined with personalized cognitive, physical, and nutritional plans, HBOT as a part of your stroke regimen may produce impressive outcomes, even years after a stroke: 

• Regained speech and ability to read/write
• Restored motor function, even with paresis
• Return to independence in performing daily activities

Many of our clients report the biggest benefit is simply not being “a burden” on their loved ones.

Here is the full breakdown of how the diverse therapies in the Aviv Medical Program can impact the brain, body, and cells even years after suffering a stroke. 

Benefits for your brain*:

• Rejuvenation of injured brain tissue, restoring some impacted functions 
• Increased blood flow in the parts of the brain associated with sensation, memory, vision, and attention
• New stem cells and blood vessels in the brain (angiogenesis)
• Improved psychomotor function (the combination of precise motor responses and cognitive problem-solving abilities)
• Triggered neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt/react in response to injury or disease) in injured parts of the brain
• Triggered neurogenesis (neuronal, or nerve cell) regeneration that occurs in the brain.
• Improved overall quality of life 

Benefits for your body*:

• Better physical performance: mobility, fitness, strength, coordination, balance, gait
• Improved NIHSS (neurological motor function score), ADL (activities of daily living score), and EQ-5D (quality of life score)
• Boosted power and stamina
• Reduced pain (strong anti-inflammatory effect)
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved sexual performance 

Cellular benefits*:

• Strengthened immune system
• Encouragement for stem cells (the building blocks of tissue rejuvenation) to multiply and migrate
• Lengthened telomeres (the protective caps at the end of each strand of DNA) associated with extending our biological clock
• Reduced senescent cells (known to contribute to many age-related diseases)
• Increased mitochondrial function (the power center of the cell)

*Individual patient results may vary.

Timing HBOT and the Aviv Medical Program After a Stroke: When Stroke Patients Can Begin

We recommend waiting three to six months after the stroke to participate in the Aviv Medical Program. This time allows the brain’s natural healing progression to take hold. However, even years after suffering a stroke, patients can see significant improvements. We’ve seen success with clients who were a decade or more into their stroke recovery.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Stroke Patients: Evidence and Impact

Backed by nearly two decades of research, the Aviv Medical Program was formed under the scientific leadership of Dr. Shai Efrati, Director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel. Recent clinical studies at the Shamir Medical Center have evaluated the effects of HBOT on stroke patients suffering from neurological deficiencies.

Thousands of clients worldwide have been successfully treated with the Aviv protocol to date.

Four Tips for Stroke Patients to Support HBOT and Post-Stroke Function

To ensure the most successful post-stroke recovery, stay mindful of the following: 

1. Several factors influence recovery: What recovery looks like and how long it takes is different for everyone because of where in the brain the stroke happened, how much of the brain was affected, and other factors.
2. Repetitive practice is key: Just like learning a new musical instrument, repetitive practice is the most important element in any neurorehabilitation program. 
3. Recurrent stroke prevention should be approached with vigilance: Nearly one in four stroke patients has had a stroke in the past.

4. Measuring progress matters: Working with a premier medical staff that captures and tracks data is critical to success. The Aviv Medical Program tracks analytics to provide a detailed report of your health and progress. 

Speak with an Aviv Clinics Physician Today

Discover how Aviv Clinics’ multidisciplinary stroke program can help enhance your brain and body function after a stroke. Contact us to connect with a client ambassador and schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our board-certified physicians.

---

Frequently Asked Questions about HBOT for Stroke Patients

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke patients?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke patients involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. At Aviv Clinics, we use a specialized, thoroughly researched HBOT protocol that differs from traditional HBOT. Our hyperbaric oxygen protocol not only increases oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue, but also supports neuroplasticity and can improve cognitive and motor function, even years after a stroke.

How does HBOT help post-stroke function?

HBOT helps post-stroke function by enhancing blood flow and oxygen supply to injured brain areas. This can promote neuroplasticity, stimulate new blood vessel formation, and support improvements in memory, attention, coordination, and motor skills.

Who can benefit from HBOT after a stroke?

Our physicians recommend starting HBOT once initial rehabilitation has concluded, typically about six months post-stroke. The Aviv Medical Program has helped patients years or even decades after a stroke improve cognitive and physical function through personalized therapy plans.

How long are HBOT sessions for stroke patients?

Although every client is different, in the Aviv Medical Program, HBOT sessions for stroke patients typically last about two hours per day, five days a week, for about 12 weeks. Additional therapies are scheduled based on each patient’s needs.

Is HBOT safe for stroke patients?

Yes. The Aviv Medical Program uses a specialized HBOT protocol in multiplace chambers with carefully monitored oxygen levels. This approach reduces risks while optimizing treatment outcomes.

Can HBOT improve cognitive abilities after a stroke?

Yes. Clinical studies show that a specialized HBOT protocol can improve cognitive abilities in post-stroke patients, including memory, attention, information processing, and executive function, even years after the stroke event.

What results can stroke patients expect from HBOT?

Results vary, but many patients experience improved speech, restored motor function, and greater independence in daily activities. HBOT, combined with cognitive, physical, and nutritional therapies, supports overall brain and body function.

 

Last Update: September 26, 2026