Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

A Life-Saving Therapy

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber at a pressure higher than normal atmospheric pressure.
This increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve in greater amounts in the blood and tissues, promoting healing, infection control, and regeneration of poorly oxygenated areas.

In a hospital setting, this therapy is recognized as an essential adjunct treatment, often capable of saving lives or preventing serious complications.

⚙️ How a Session Works

HBOT sessions are conducted under medical supervision in the hyperbaric chamber at the
Centre for Alternative and Complementary Medicine of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.

Duration & frequency: according to protocol and condition
Number of sessions: 3 to 40, depending on the condition treated
Cost: €50 per session

🩺 Common and Recognized Indications for HBOT

Air embolism / decompression sickness → Reduces bubble size and restores circulation (gold standard treatment)
Carbon monoxide poisoning → Pure oxygen displaces CO, protecting the brain and heart
Necrotizing infections → Inhibits anaerobic bacteria and promotes tissue repair
Refractory chronic osteomyelitis → Oxygen penetrates poorly vascularized bone and enhances antibiotic efficacy
Post-radiation injuries → Stimulates neovascularization and reduces fibrosis
Skin grafts → Improves graft survival
Severe burns → Accelerates healing and limits secondary damage
Severe anemia (when transfusion is not possible) → Provides temporary dissolved oxygen supply
Intracranial abscess → Optimizes oxygenation alongside conventional treatments
Sudden hearing loss → Supports microcirculation in the inner ear

🔬 Emerging Research-Based Indications

Stroke and post-stroke sequelae
Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
Migraine and cluster headaches
Diabetic wounds, chronic ulcers, pressure sores
Chronic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Autoimmune and infectious diseases (Lyme, lupus, scleroderma)
Surgical preparation and recovery
Regenerative and anti-aging medicine (PRP, stem cells)
Athletic performance and muscle recovery
Adjunct therapy in certain cancers

⚠️ Contraindications

Untreated pneumothorax
Acute ear infection or sinusitis
Recent thoracic surgery
Inability to equalize ear pressure (Valsalva maneuver)

📚 Scientific References

Numerous studies validate the medical benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Notable examples include:

Efrati et al., PLoS ONE, 2013
Hadanny et al., Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 2020
Li et al., Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2024
Yildiz et al., NeuroRehabilitation, 2022
Neubauer & Gottlieb, Lancet, 1983
Calvert et al., Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Journal, 2004
Rossignol et al., BMC Pediatrics, 2009
Chen et al., Medical Gas Research, 2012
Efrati et al., PLoS ONE, 2015
Shai et al., Pain Medicine, 2024
Di Sabato et al., Cephalalgia, 1997
Bennett et al., Cochrane Review, 2015
Löndahl et al., Diabetes Care, 2010
Fife et al., Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, 2007
Kiralp et al., Pain Medicine, 2025
Peirce et al., International Journal of Dermatology, 2019
Perkins et al., Medical Hypotheses, 2021
Hyman et al., Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infection, 2022
Marx et al., Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 1990
Hart et al., Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2022
Thom et al., American Journal of Physiology, 2006
Asmis et al., Circulation Research, 2010
Hachmo et al., Aging, 2020
Burgos et al., Frontiers in Physiology, 2021
Kjellberg et al., Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2023