[40 cases of multiple sclerosis treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Context:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease.
• Patients in worsening phases of MS often experience debilitating symptoms impacting daily life.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with worsening Multiple Sclerosis.
• To assess symptom improvement and recovery of autonomy following HBOT.

Summary:

• Forty patients with worsening MS received HBOT, comprising initial daily sessions followed by maintenance treatments.
• 85% of patients (34 out of 40) demonstrated remarkable improvements, including complete or near-total symptom recovery.
• Improvements in cerebellar, sensory, and sphincteric functions, as well as walking and hand function, led to significant recovery of patient autonomy.

Impact:

• HBOT shows significant potential as a therapeutic intervention for managing Multiple Sclerosis symptoms.
• The study highlights HBOT's role in improving quality of life and functional independence for MS patients.
• Cerebellar, sensory, and sphincteric symptom improvements are particularly notable, offering new avenues for MS management.