What Researchers Did
This study reviewed the current understanding of fluid microembolism in the nervous system and discussed the potential role of hyperbaric oxygenation.
What They Found
Researchers found that magnetic resonance imaging frequently reveals small, often clinically silent, embolic damage in the nervous system, particularly in the midbrain. Microembolic debris, such as fat, is common in healthy individuals' systemic venous return, and while usually filtered by the lungs, can sometimes bypass this protection, leading to blood-brain barrier disturbances known as the 'perivenous syndrome'.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation is that this appears to be a conceptual review rather than an empirical study presenting new experimental data or clinical trial results.