Mixed results
In 2002, a literature review of HBOT treatment looked at a wide range of published trial data into the effectiveness of HBOT for the treatment of patients at various stages after traumatic brain injury and stroke.
A total of 23 papers were reviewed and their results and limitations analysed. Of these, only six studies used control groups and reported their clinical outcome measures.
While some of these higher-quality studies reported weak evidence in favour of HBOT use, others actually provided evidence against its use. One of the studies into the effects on patients after stroke was terminated early because of a trend towards improved outcomes for the control group.
This review concluded that, on balance, the studies indicated that HBOT had no effect on patients after brain injury and recommended against its routine use.
Reference
A review of the scientific evidence on the treatment of traumatic brain injuries and strokes with hyperbaric oxygen. Brain Injury [serial online]. March 2003; 17(3):225. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 2, 2013.
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