What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated how hyperbaric oxygen therapy affected breathing problems in 29 patients who recently had an ischaemic stroke.
What They Found
In 29 patients with acute ischaemic stroke, hyperbaric oxygen therapy normalized various breathing disorders. Specifically, Cheyne-Stokes respiration was replaced by a more adequate wave-like breathing pattern, and hyperventilation shifted to normal ventilation. Improvements were also observed in central blood flow and blood gas levels.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Ischaemic stroke is not a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This study is limited by its small sample size of 29 patients, its age (published in 1979), and the abstract does not specify the exact hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol used.