Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for thalamic pain syndrome: case report.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine

Background:

• Thalamic pain syndrome (TPS) is a debilitating central post-stroke pain (CPSP) affecting up to 10% of stroke survivors, often resulting in chronic, life-long neuropathic pain.
• Current treatments for TPS offer only moderate relief, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
• The thalamus plays a critical role in pain processing, and its dysfunction after a cerebrovascular accident can lead to severe hemi-body pain and reduced quality of life.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with TPS following a right thalamic lacunar infarction experienced persistent, severe chronic pain despite various pharmacological therapies.
• The patient's symptoms, including pain and stiffness, significantly impacted his daily functioning and overall well-being for over a year post-stroke.

Findings:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was administered to the patient with TPS.
• Following HBOT, the patient reported complete resolution of pain and stiffness, with a marked improvement in quality of life, confirmed by validated questionnaires.

Implications:

• This case study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be a viable and effective treatment option for thalamic pain syndrome.
• Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore HBOT's efficacy and mechanisms in managing central post-stroke pain.
• Successful HBOT could offer a new therapeutic avenue for stroke survivors suffering from intractable neuropathic pain, improving their functional recovery and quality of life.