What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective study involving 60 patients with head injury coma, randomly assigning them to receive either daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2.5 ATA or standard care.
What They Found
Overall, the study found no difference in mortality or mean duration of coma between the hyperbaric oxygen and standard therapy groups. However, in one specific subgroup of 18 patients (under 30 with a brain stem contusion without a supratentorial mass lesion), the rate of recovered consciousness at one month was significantly higher with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Notably, 11 patients had their hyperbaric oxygen therapy interrupted due to complications.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study's preliminary nature and frequent interruptions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in some patients limited its ability to definitively assess the treatment's overall effectiveness.