HBOT for Neurological Conditions

What is a Neurological Condition?

Neurological conditions are conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord or nerves. These tissues are all part of the nervous system. Neurological conditions include Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and the longer-term effects of a traumatic brain injury, among others.

Symptoms vary widely depending on the condition and which parts of the nervous system are affected. They can include difficulties with movement, balance, memory, thinking, sensation, speech and fatigue.

Some neurological conditions develop gradually, while others can appear suddenly or follow an injury or illness. Treatment and rehabilitation also vary considerably. People living with a neurological condition should remain under the care of their GP, neurologist or other specialist healthcare professionals.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Inside an oxygen therapy or medical transport vehicle with colorful seating on both sides, blue walls, ceiling-mounted monitors, and safety equipment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing high-concentration oxygen through a mask in a pressurised chamber.

This allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach tissues with reduced blood supply.

Oxygen plays a key role in many normal processes within the body, including healing and recovery. By increasing oxygen availability, HBOT can support tissue repair, collagen production, new blood vessel formation, and the body’s immune responses that help manage infection.

By reducing substances in the body that drive inflammation (inflammatory cytokines), HBOT may also help to ease swelling and discomfort.

HBOT is always used in addition to standard medical treatment, not as a replacement.

A woman wearing a face mask respirator and sitting in a medical or research chamber while reading a book.

Why HBOT May Be Considered for Neurological Conditions

Researchers are investigating whether the effects of HBOT could have a role in certain neurological conditions. Research has included people with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment, multiple sclerosis, and people experiencing longer-term problems following a traumatic brain injury.

The reasons for studying HBOT can vary between conditions. Research has confirmed that HBOT increases the amount of oxygen carried in the blood plasma, encourages tissue repair and new blood vessel growth, and can help to reduce inflammation.

Research specific to neurological conditions is therefore exploring whether increasing oxygen availability could influence processes such as inflammation, blood flow within the brain, and the way the brain responds and adapts following an injury.

However, neurological conditions are complex and HBOT is not an established treatment for the conditions discussed on this page. HBOT should therefore not replace medication, rehabilitation, or other care recommended by a neurologist or medical team.

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Research on HBOT for Neurological Conditions

Research into HBOT is ongoing, with results varying according to the condition being studied.

Parkinsons’ disease

Reviews of research into HBOT and Parkinson’s disease have reported some positive findings for symptoms including sleep, movement, cognition, anxiety and depression. However, this research is based on small studies, so larger, high-quality clinical trials are now needed.

Alzheimer’s disease

In people with Alzheimer’s disease, improvements in several cognitive measures were noted, as well as improvements in activities of daily living. The researchers called for more rigorous studies to understand the exact value of HBOT for people with Alzheimer’s.

Multiple sclerosis

HBOT has been studied in people with MS for many years. However, many studies have not found clear evidence of a treatment effect to support the routine use of HBOT for MS.

Traumatic brain injury

HBOT has been studied in people with a traumatic brain injury, including difficulties with memory, attention and thinking. Some studies have reported improvements, while others have not shown a meaningful difference. Further well-designed research is now required.

There are many interesting areas of research into HBOT and neurological health, but anyone considering a course of treatment should continue with their usual medical care and make decisions based on what the research can (and cannot) currently tell us.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39763449/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39571556/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14974004/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41180753/

OxyGeneration provides HBOT in a calm clinical environment, delivered by a trained and experienced team.

Some clients are referred by a healthcare professional, but self-referral is also welcomed. All clients complete a screening questionnaire to check suitability. In some situations, we may ask clients to confirm suitability with their GP or medical specialist before proceeding.

If you are considering HBOT, our team can talk to you about how many sessions might be appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances.

OxyGeneration does not provide emergency medical treatment. We do not diagnose or manage medical conditions, and HBOT is not a replacement for standard medical care. Clients remain under the supervision of their GP or consultant for the management of their condition. As with all treatments, outcomes can vary from person to person.

If you would like to find out more about HBOT and whether it might be appropriate for you, please contact our team for more information.

What to Expect at OxyGeneration

Modern office lounge area with colorful chairs, potted plants, and a blue enclosed seating pod, illuminated by circular ceiling lights.

A woman is showing a mask and a paper to two young women seated at a table in front of a blue backdrop with circular designs.

Important Information

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not suitable for everyone.

Please visit our Suitability page for further information.

Testimonial

“I was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. I have read such wonderful stories about hyperbaric oxygen therapy that I had to give it a try. I have noticed that my circulation is way better. The swelling in my leg has decreased a lot. I am steadier and stronger when I stand or I am doing things.”

— Anon, attending with multiple sclerosis