What Researchers Did
Researchers treated 40 patients with worsening multiple sclerosis with cycles of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) starting in 1979.
What They Found
Of the 40 patients, 34 (85%) showed remarkable improvements, including complete or near total recovery of one or more symptoms. These improvements, observed over 3 to 33 months, were most pronounced in cerebellar, sensorial, and sphincterial symptoms, leading to better walking, hand use, and bladder control.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy might offer symptomatic relief for some patients with worsening multiple sclerosis. However, patients should discuss this treatment with their healthcare providers, as its long-term efficacy and suitability for individual cases require further evaluation.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study lacks a control group and has a relatively small sample size, limiting the generalizability and definitive conclusions about HBO therapy's efficacy.