Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in multiple sclerosis.

In his editorial last fall, Dr Jacoby 1 expressed the feeling that it was time to take a stand against the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the Department of Health in the UK accepts low-pressure hyperbaric facilities for patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. Over the past 20 years, a UK Charity has provided hyperbaric oxygen treatment in 62 centers for the amelioration of the symptoms of MS. Over 1.6 million patient sessions have been completed without a significant incident, which establishes the safety of the enterprise. A paper has been submitted to this journal (Perrins DJD and James PB) giving details of this experience. In contrast to Jacoby’s position, in the same journal Bennett and Heard, 2 after reviewing the controlled trials of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in MS, do not close the matter and conclude that there is a case for further research. Our view is that the evidence, when reviewed in the context of the criteria suggested for the approval of conditions by the UHMS Hyperbaric Oxygen Committee, already supports the use of HBO2 in the management of the disease.