A double-blind trial of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

A randomized double-blind trial of hyperbaric oxygen (2 atmospheres absolute for 20 sessions of 90 minutes, over a period of one month) demonstrated no advantage over a placebo gas mixture in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Of 41 patients completing the trial, 21 had been treated with oxygen, eight of whom reported improvement (two confirmed objectively). Of 20 patients in the placebo group, seven claimed improvement (four confirmed objectively). Even when patients with mild disease were considered separately, or when functional systems were assessed individually, no benefit could be shown to result from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.