Neurological disorders, ranging from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, have long posed significant challenges for patients and healthcare professionals alike. In the search for effective treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Research suggests that HBOT may serve as a valuable adjunctive therapy for a wide spectrum of neurological conditions.

How HBOT Benefits Neurological Disorders

HBOT research has yielded promising insights into its potential to enhance the management of various neurological disorders. Here’s a glimpse into the ways HBOT can make a difference:

  1. Cerebral Metabolic Rate: HBOT has been found to improve the cerebral metabolic rate, which is crucial for brain function. This enhancement can positively impact patients with neurological conditions by supporting overall brain health.
  2. Reducing Cerebral Edema: Cerebral edema, or the accumulation of fluid in the brain, is a common complication in neurological disorders. HBOT has demonstrated the ability to reduce cerebral edema, potentially alleviating associated symptoms.
  3. Enhanced Cerebral Blood Flow: Proper blood flow is essential for brain health. HBOT has shown promise in improving cerebral blood flow, ensuring that the brain receives the necessary nutrients and oxygen.
  4. Reducing Cerebral Spinal Fluid Lactic Acid Levels: Elevated levels of lactic acid in cerebral spinal fluid can contribute to neurological symptoms. HBOT has the potential to reduce these levels, providing relief for patients.

Targeted Conditions and Promising Results

HBOT is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific neurological disorder. Here’s a brief overview of how HBOT research is making waves in the treatment of various conditions:

  • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD): Studies and case reports have explored the use of HBOT for individuals with mTBI and PTSD. This research suggests that HBOT could help improve cognitive function and alleviate post-concussive symptoms.
  • Cerebral Palsy: HBOT has shown promising results in children with cerebral palsy. Research indicates that it can go beyond previous expectations, providing significant improvements.
  • Multiple Sclerosis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study has investigated the use of HBOT in multiple sclerosis. While more research is needed, the study provides valuable insights into its potential benefits.
  • Lyme Disease: HBOT has demonstrated promise in the treatment of Lyme disease. In particular, patients unresponsive to antibiotics have experienced a significant decrease or elimination of symptoms after HBOT treatment.
  • Migraine Headaches: Both normobaric and hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been explored as potential treatments for migraine and cluster headaches. While more studies are underway, preliminary findings are encouraging.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease: Researchers have explored HBOT’s impact on Alzheimer’s disease, with some reports showing improvement in patients’ conditions.
  • Parkinson’s Disease: A case study involving HBOT on a Parkinson’s disease patient has garnered attention. Further research may shed light on its potential as a complementary therapy.
  • Anoxic Brain Injury / Near Drowning: HBOT has been examined as a treatment option for individuals who have experienced anoxic brain injury, such as near-drowning incidents. Case reports have demonstrated positive outcomes, including the reversal of brain volume loss.

Conclusion

In the world of medical research, HBOT is emerging as a valuable ally in the battle against neurological disorders. While more studies and clinical trials are needed to fully unlock its potential, the current findings offer a glimpse into a brighter future for those affected by these conditions. The journey towards effective treatments and improved outcomes is ongoing, with HBOT at the forefront of innovation and hope.

Sources

Neubauer, R. (1998, January 1). Cerebral oxygenation and the recoverable brain. Ocean Hyperbaric Center. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Cerebral-Oxygenation-And-The-Recoverable-Brain.pdf

Mu, J, Krafft, P. & Zhang, J. (2011, June 1). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes neurogenesis: Where do we stand? ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51856951_Hyperbaric_oxygen_therapy_promotes_neurogenesis_Where_do_we_stand

Harch, P (2012, January 1). A Phase I Study of Low-Pressure Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Blast-Induced Post-Concussion Syndrome and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal Of Neurotrauma. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/A-Phase-I-Study-Of-Low-Pressure-Hyperbaric-Oxygen-Therapy-For-Blast-Induced-Post-Concussion-Syndrome-And-Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder.pdf

Harch, P. (2009, June 9). Low pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy and SPECT brain imaging in the treatment of blast-induced chronic traumatic brain injury (post-concussion syndrome) and post traumatic stress disorder. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2740054

Mozayeni, R. (2019, March 28). The National Brain Injury, Rescue and Rehabilitation Study – a multicenter observational study of hyperbaric oxygen for mild traumatic brain injury with post-concussive symptoms. Medical Gas Research. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MedGasRes-TBI-3_2019.pdf

Boussi-Gross, R. (2013, November 15). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Improve Post Concussion Syndrome Years after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury – Randomized Prospective Trial. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0079995

Rockswold, S. (2013, March 19). A prospective, randomized Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the effect of combined hyperbaric and normobaric hyperoxia on cerebral metabolism, intracranial pressure, oxygen toxicity, and clinical outcome in severe traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurosurgery. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/A-Prospective-Randomized-Phase-II-Clinical-Trial-Outcome-In-Severe-Traumatic-Brain-Injury.pdf

Neubauer, R. (2020, January 1). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Proving To Be Able To Take Children Significantly Beyond The Limits Of The Improvements That Were Previously Thought Possible. Alternative Medicine. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Newhope-Hyperbaric-Oxygen-Therapy-Is-Proving-To-Be-Able-To-Take-Children-Significantly-Beyond-The-Limits-Of-The-Improvements-That-Were-Previously-Thought-Possible.pdf

Neubauer, R. (2003). High Dose Oxygen Therapy for Cerebral Palsy and the Brain Injured Child (Documentation via SPECT Imaging). Ocean Hyperbaric Neurologic Center. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/High-Dose-Oxygen-Therapy-For-Cerebral-Palsy-And-The-Brain-Injured-Child.pdf

Neubauer, R. (1999, November 10). Hyperbaric oxygenation in cerebral palsy and the brain injured child. European Pediatric Neurology Society. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Neubauer-Hyperbaric-oxygenation-in-cerebral-palsy-and-the-brain-injured-child.pdf

Fischer, B. (1983, January 27). Hyperbaric-Oxygen Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis — A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198301273080402

Gottlieb, S. (1998). Multiple Sclerosis: Its Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutics With Emphasis on the Controversial Use of HBO. Journal of Hyperbaric Medicine. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Multiple-Sclerosis-Its-Etiology-Pathogenesis-And-Therapeutics-With-Emphasis-On-The-Controversial-Use-Of-HBO.pdf

Neubauer, R. (1998). Hyperbaric Oxygenation In The Acute Stroke. Ocean Hyperbaric Center. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Hyperbaric-Oxygenation-In-The-Acute-Stroke.pdf

Efrati, S. (2013, January 15). Hyperbaric Oxygen Induces Late Neuroplasticity in Post Stroke Patients – Randomized, Prospective Trial. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0053716

Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of patients with cerebral stroke, brain trauma, and neurologic disease

Al-Waili, N. (2005, November). Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of patients with cerebral stroke, brain trauma, and neurologic disease. Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02849960

Walker, M. (1995). Reversal of Residual Stroke Symptoms Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Mary Ann Liebert. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Reversal-of-Residual-Stroke.pdf

Neubauer, R. (1992, June). Identification of Hypometabolic Areas in the Brain Using Brain Imaging and Hyperbaric Oxygen. Lippincott. https://journals.lww.com/nuclearmed/abstract/1992/06000/identification_of_hypometabolic_areas_in_the_brain.10.aspx

Wilson, J. (2003, June 4). Hyperbaric Oxygen in the Treatment of Migraine With Aura. The Journal of Headache and Pain. https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1526-4610.1998.3802112.x

Silberstein, S. (2000, September 26). Practice parameter: Evidence-based guidelines for migraine headache (an evidence-based review). American Academy of Neurology. https://n.neurology.org/content/55/6/754.short

Figueroa, X. (2016). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease. Hyperbaric Research & Studies. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Hyperbaric-Oxygen-Therapy-and-Alzheimers-Disease.pdf

Harch, P. (2019, January 24). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Alzheimer’s dementia with positron emission tomography imaging: a case report. Medical Gas Research. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/023bcc4ecbbef9cc89b66d417/files/bfadbafa-3bf2-45eb-a1a2-71290acb167a/MedGasRes84181_4626428_125104.pdf

Hoggard M. (2002) Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment On A Parkinson’s Disease Patient: A Case Study. Proceedings of the 14th International Congress of Hyperbaric Medicine. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN-TREATMENT-ON-A-PARKINSONS-PATIENT-A-CASE-STUDY.pdf

Whitaker, J. (2014, September 24). One-Two Punch: Glutathione and HBOT. Hyperbaric Research & Studies. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/One-Two-Punch-Glutathione-and-HBOT.pdf

Harch, P. (2017, July 3 ). Subacute normobaric oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in drowning, reversal of brain volume loss: a case report. Medical Gas Research. https://www.o2oasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Near-Drowning-Abstract.pdf