Advance in hyperbaric oxygen therapy in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe condition leading to motor, sensory, and sphincter dysfunctions, abnormal muscle tone, and reflexes, causing permanent disability. The injury occurs in two phases: the primary injury from the initial trauma and a secondary injury that evolves over hours due to factors like ischemia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) aims to increase oxygen levels in the injured area to aid recovery. While HBOT shows promise, there's a need for standardized treatment protocols and further research through randomized controlled trials to confirm its effectiveness and reduce bias in studies.

• 1
  A meta-analysis suggests HBOT might be a safe, promising, and effective choice to limit secondary injury in SCI when started appropriately.
• 2
  HBOT can exert neuroprotective effects by decreasing apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, reducing spinal cord edema, and increasing autophagy.
• 3
  Studies show HBO therapy improved neurological functions compared with the control group and should be considered a support therapy for treating acute SCI.