What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) at 2 atmospheres absolute with 100% oxygen on intracranial pressure (ICP) in two patients with severe head injury and diffuse cerebral swelling.
What They Found
During pressurization, the mean intracranial pressure (ICP) dropped from 13 to 8 Torr, but then rose to 14 Torr during hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy at 2 atmospheres absolute. ICP further increased to 16 Torr during depressurization before returning to 12 Torr after HBO therapy, suggesting an initial ICP reduction during pressurization followed by potential rebound elevations.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Given this study's preliminary nature and small sample size from 1988, it offers limited direct, immediate practical guidance for Canadian patients with elevated intracranial pressure today. Further, more robust research would be needed to determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a safe and effective treatment option in a modern clinical setting.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection or specific relevance to the Canadian healthcare system.
Study Limitations
The primary limitations of this study include its very small sample size of only two patients and its preliminary nature, which restrict the generalizability of the findings.