Multiple Sclerosis
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy at OxyGeneration, patients are treated with near 100% oxygen in a chamber in which the pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure for ≥1 hour. Whether HBOT can help MS patients requires further research but, over multiple sessions, it may lessen symptoms of neurological diseases, potentially including MS symptoms.
How HBOT Works for Multiple Sclerosis
HBOT may be beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia by enhancing oxygen delivery.
1. Enhanced Oxygen Delivery:
In many neurological conditions, including MS, the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood and helping deliver it to the brain may relieve some neurological symptoms.
2. Reduces Inflammation:
Neurological conditions like MS often involve inflammation, which damages the cells of the nervous system. By turning down the immune response, HBOT may reduce the levels of inflammation.
3. Cell Protection:
HBOT may help repair damaged nerve cells in the brain and spine and improve the ability of the brain to adapt, which is essential for learning and memory.
Benefits of HBOT for Multiple Sclerosis
Improved brain function:
Patients with neurological diseases can face difficulties with memory and learning, but HBOT eases these symptoms in some patients, and it is possible that HBOT may also benefit people with MS in the same way.Better coordination:
Problems with balance are a common symptom in people with neurological diseases, and HBOT can improve movement and coordination in some patients.Reduced pain:
Chronic pain is a feature of many diseases and HBOT can ease the pain associated with several illnesses and conditions, possibly including MS.Enhanced mood:
Many neurological conditions cause mood disorders, and HBOT can aid sleep and improve patients' mood and quality of life for many people.We will always be very clear and respectful with clients when managing expectations. HBOT ultimately works because of physics, however with some conditions HBOT benefits are not the solution. Much of the potential benefits for MS are based on research for other conditions and there is little robust clinical evidence (e.g. double blind random control trials) to support the use of HBOT for MS.
Improved bladder function:
Bladder problems are a common symptom of MS, and some reports suggest HBOT can help manage these issues.
Practical Considerations
At the moment, HBOT is not recognised as a treatment for MS and the clinical evidence for its benefits is limited. Most studies that show HBOT relieves neurological symptoms are in patients with different conditions, but some research suggests HBOT may help MS patients, particularly for bladder symptoms and balance problems. Other studies have indicated that HBOT may slow MS progression and have long-term benefits. It should be noted, however, that some studies did not show any effect of HBOT on MS at all. Overall, the clinical evidence indicates that HBOT is a safe option for patients with MS and some studies suggest HBOT may improve patients' quality of life by reducing their symptoms.
Client Selection:
Please note that OxyGeneration does not provide diagnostic services and is a treatment provider only. We strongly encourage all clients to consult with their existing medical team as appropriate.Treatment Protocols:
Treatments usually last 80 minutes per session and are conducted daily over several weeks. Every individual is different and we recommend consulting with your medical team. To help determine how many sessions each individual will require, new clients can speak with OxyGeneration staff prior to commencing their Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.Monitoring Progress:
Regular assessments are crucial to track healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary..
For further information on the use of HBOT for Multiple Sclerosis, please visit our resources page by clicking the link below.