What Researchers Did
Researchers monitored brain activity using real-time electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in patients with chronic disorders of consciousness while they received hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
The study observed that the duration of microstate C, a brain activity pattern linked to attention, increased in all patients after 20 minutes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (p < 0.05). Patients with higher consciousness scores (17 cases) showed a longer microstate C duration and increased information exchange between auditory and attention networks during treatment. These changes suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may activate attention and cognitive control in these patients.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Disorders of consciousness are not a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are based on a relatively small number of patients and short-term observations during therapy, without a long-term follow-up.