What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a post-hoc analysis of a prospective study to evaluate the rate and pattern of memory surfacing during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) in 28 veterans with combat-related PTSD.
What They Found
Among 28 participants, new memories surfaced in 10 veterans (35.7%) during HBO2 treatment, primarily in the second month around session 30.5. Prior to memory surfacing, 9 of these 10 veterans experienced prodromal symptoms like distress or anxiety, and 4 reported somatic pain, with symptoms resolving within one to ten days.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with PTSD undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be aware that they might experience the surfacing of new memories, potentially accompanied by temporary emotional distress or pain. Healthcare teams providing HBO2 in Canada should be prepared to address and support patients through these memory surfacing events, which typically resolve within days.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its post-hoc analysis design and relatively small sample size of 28 participants.