Cognition
Track attention, memory, and task performance using measures your clinical team selects.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke recovery
New facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or other sudden stroke symptoms require 911 immediately. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
Stroke recovery research & care · Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for stroke recovery
Stroke recovery is personal. Research is exploring whether HBOT can support cognition and daily function alongside rehabilitation.
RX-O2 offers a physician-led conversation about the evidence, your diagnosis, and the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in your broader care plan. Our Scottsdale and Glendale teams serve patients across the Phoenix area.
Clinical studies have reported encouraging changes in selected stroke survivors, particularly when HBOT is combined with structured rehabilitation. The evidence is still evolving, and careful patient selection matters. Explore the evidence below.
Physician-led care in Scottsdale and Glendale, serving the Phoenix area.
Physician-ledIndividual assessment and treatment planning
FDA-cleared chambersMedical hard-shell hyperbaric equipment
100% medical oxygenDelivered through a mask or hood
NHSA-certified techniciansPreparation, monitoring, and communication
The starting point
Recovery research begins after emergency stroke care
A new stroke requires immediate emergency evaluation. The studies discussed here concern recovery after stroke, not replacement of time-sensitive treatments in the emergency department.
Recovery varies with stroke type, timing, affected functions, and rehabilitation. A result from a combined cognitive-training program cannot automatically be attributed to HBOT alone.
The clinical context matters. Keep neurology, rehabilitation, and stroke-prevention care in place. Any additional treatment should support a coordinated plan with measurable functional goals.
Connect the research to your goals
What matters in daily life?
Daily independence
Discuss activities such as dressing, household tasks, and participation in family life.
Rehabilitation progress
Connect treatment decisions to the physical, occupational, or cognitive therapy plan.
Your goals help shape the conversation and provide a useful way to follow progress if treatment is prescribed.
Explore the evidence
Stroke recovery & HBOT research
Explore the findings behind the conversation. These selected publications highlight reported benefits, the patients studied, and the questions researchers are still working to answer.
Literature checked
October 20, 2026
2026 · Randomized clinical trial
A 2026 trial reported benefits with combined cognitive rehabilitation
Publication indexed in PubMed. 2026.
Read the publicationA randomized study of 116 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment compared HBOT, computerized cognitive training, combined treatment, and standard care. The combined group showed the greatest improvements in cognitive and daily-function measures.
How to interpret it: This was a single-center, short-term study. The combined-treatment result does not establish the contribution of HBOT alone or lasting benefit for all stroke survivors.
2013 · Randomized crossover study
A chronic-stroke study reported functional improvement
Efrati S, et al. PloS one. 2013.
Read the publicationA randomized crossover study analyzed 59 patients 6 to 36 months after stroke. Neurologic function, activities of daily living, and quality-of-life measures improved after an HBOT course, with accompanying brain-imaging changes.
How to interpret it: The study did not use a sham chamber control. Selection and the study design limit certainty about the size of the treatment effect.
2026 · Pilot comparative study
A 2026 pilot helps define the next research questions
Publication indexed in PubMed. 2026.
Read the publicationA small study compared HBOT plus physiotherapy with physiotherapy alone in 30 ischemic-stroke survivors. Participants improved during rehabilitation in both groups.
How to interpret it: The between-group differences were not statistically significant. Larger trials are needed to clarify the added benefit of HBOT.
What this means for your decision
The reported cognitive and functional gains support continued investigation and an informed consultation. Results differ across studies, so ongoing research is essential. RX-O2 can review your recovery stage and goals with you and help coordinate a discussion with your rehabilitation team.
Plan with your care team
Start with your diagnosis and a coordinated plan
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Share the relevant records
Bring the stroke date and type, imaging reports, neurology and rehabilitation assessments, current medicines, and specific functional goals.
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Agree on the purpose of treatment
Review the evidence with your treating specialist and hyperbaric clinician. Identify specific outcomes to follow, the alternatives, and the reasons HBOT may or may not be appropriate.
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Set reassessment points
If treatment is prescribed, discuss the schedule, travel, costs, safety screening, and how progress will be reviewed. A published study schedule does not determine an individual prescription.
Your consultation is an opportunity to ask about expected benefits, treatment experience, scheduling, costs, and follow-up. We review suitability with you and coordinate with your treating clinicians when appropriate.
The RX-O2 difference
A team and setting you can get to know
Medical oversight from the start
Medical Director Marvin A. Borsand, DO, FACOS, FACCS, HCC, leads clinical oversight. A licensed medical provider reviews suitability and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Medical hyperbaric equipment
Our clinics use FDA-cleared hard-shell chambers. You breathe 100% medical oxygen through a mask or hood while the chamber is pressurized with air.
Preparation and communication
NHSA-certified hyperbaric technicians explain the visit and monitor treatment. Tell us about ear pressure, positioning, mobility, or confinement concerns before you arrive.
Before your visit
Stroke recovery FAQs
Is HBOT an emergency treatment for a new stroke?
Do not delay emergency care. This page focuses on recovery research after the acute event.
Can it help years after a stroke?
Some studies included chronic stroke survivors and reported improvement, but response is uncertain. Your history and current rehabilitation needs should guide the discussion.
Should rehabilitation continue?
Yes. Coordinate any additional treatment with your rehabilitation and neurology teams. The evidence does not justify replacing established stroke care.
Where can I discuss this research near Phoenix?
RX-O2 has clinics in Scottsdale and Glendale. Bring your records or ask your provider to send a referral so that the team can review your circumstances and explain whether an outpatient consultation is appropriate.
Local care, two Valley locations
Explore HBOT in Scottsdale or Glendale
Looking for a hyperbaric consultation near Phoenix? RX-O2 offers two locations for patients across the Valley. Call the clinic closest to you for appointment availability and help planning repeat visits.
RX-O2 Scottsdale
9035 E Pima Center Parkway #11Scottsdale, AZ 85258
An East Valley option for patients in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and nearby communities.
RX-O2 Glendale
5626 N 51st AvenueGlendale, AZ 85301
A West Valley option for patients in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, and nearby communities.
Explore a coordinated recovery plan
After acute stroke care, meet with our team to discuss your rehabilitation goals and whether an HBOT assessment is appropriate.
Sources & further reading
- Publication indexed in PubMed. 2026. A 2026 trial reported benefits with combined cognitive rehabilitation.
- Efrati S, et al. PloS one. 2013. A chronic-stroke study reported functional improvement.
- Publication indexed in PubMed. 2026. A 2026 pilot helps define the next research questions.
Browse the complete HBOT research library · Learn how HBOT works
Selected research checked October 20, 2026. Evidence continues to evolve. This educational overview supports a conversation with your treating clinician; individual results vary.
Read HBOT safety and treatment FAQs. Discuss treatment risks, medicines, implants, and relevant medical history with your clinician. Equipment clearance does not establish effectiveness for every condition.