What Researchers Did
Canadian researchers from the University Health Network in Toronto conducted a narrative review of HBOT for chronic neuropathic pain, searching major databases from 1946 to 2020 and including 29 animal and human studies.
What They Found
HBOT showed the strongest evidence for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and chronic bladder pain syndrome. Moderate evidence supported use for radiation-induced nerve damage, postherpetic neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia. Mechanisms include reducing inflammation and promoting opioid peptide release.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This Canadian-authored review confirms HBOT as a viable option for certain types of neuropathic pain, particularly CRPS, that have not responded to standard pain management. Patients with chronic treatment-resistant nerve pain should discuss HBOT with their pain specialist.
Canadian Relevance
This study was authored by researchers at the University Health Network, Toronto. Radiation-induced plexopathy may qualify for HBOT coverage in Ontario as delayed radiation injury. CRPS is not currently an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT.
Study Limitations
Narrative methodology means study selection may not have been exhaustive, and heterogeneity of HBOT protocols makes it hard to define optimal treatment parameters.