Diffusion-tensor MR imaging for evaluation of the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by carbon monoxide inhalation.

What Researchers Did

Researchers assessed the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome (DNS) in six patients using diffusion tensor MR imaging and neuropsychological tests.

What They Found

Patients with DNS initially had significantly lower mean fractional anisotropy (FA) values compared to controls (P < 0.001). After three months of HBOT, patients' mean FA values significantly increased (P < 0.001), and all patients achieved full scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination.

What This Means for Canadian Patients

This suggests that HBOT could be a beneficial treatment option for Canadian patients experiencing delayed neuropsychiatric symptoms after carbon monoxide poisoning, potentially improving white matter integrity and cognitive function. Patients might experience significant recovery in their cognitive abilities following this therapy.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection.

Study Limitations

A significant limitation of this study is the very small sample size of only six patients.