Conditions Commonly Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Also Contraindications to Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT is used on a worldwide basis. The following is a list of conditions commonly being treated using HBOT.  Most are considered experimental and controversial by the mainstream medical community, with only testimonials and anecdotal evidence for benefit. Medical insurance in the United States and elsewhere will often refuse payment.

Specific Nervous System or Neurologic Indications

• Autism
  • Chronic cerebral edema
  • Toxic encephalopathy
  • Vascular compromise
  • Traumatic
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Chronic spinal cord contusion
  • Physiological transection
  • Partial motor or sensory loss
• Early organic brain syndrome
  • Small vessel disease
  • Multiple small infarcts
• Post stroke (recent or chronic residuals)
• Multiple sclerosis
  • Acute
  • Relapsing/ remitting
  • Chronic progressive
• Brain Dysfunction
• Cranial nerve syndromes
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Optic neuritis
  • Vestibular disorders (vertigo, tinnitus, Méni re's's syndrome)
  • Sudden deafness
  • Brain stem syndromes (ischemia, infarct)
  • Retinal artery occlusion
  • Acoustic trauma
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Charcot Marie's tooth disease
• Radiation myelitis
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Diabetic
• Chronic effects of near drowning injuries
• Sympathetic Reflex Dystrophy
• ALS
• Parkinson's Syndrome
• Autism
• Chronic effects of meningitis
• Cerebral palsy
• Abscesses* (intracranial)

Orthopedic Indications

• Chronic crush injuries* (vascular compromise)
• Chronic soft tissue swelling
  • Traumatic injury healing
  • Cellulitis* (infection secondary to injury)
• Compartment syndrome*
• Acute and chronic  necrotizing fasciitis ("flesh-eating bacteria")*
• Clostridial myonecrosis* (gas gangrene)
• Healing after severed limbs and digits*
• Acute and chronic osteomyelitis* (bone infection)
• Post op bone grafting
• Fracture healing with union and nonunion situations*
• Aseptic necrosis
• Tendon and ligament injuries, post-surgical repair
• Delayed wound healing
• Stump infections (following amputation) and healing
• Edema under cast
• Sports injuries

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Abscesses* (intra-abdominal)
• Pancreatitis
• Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis
• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Biliary atresia (after surgical correction)
• Peptic ulcer
• Cirrhosis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Radiation enteritis*

Eye Conditions

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Glaucoma with visual field loss
• Retinal artery occlusion
• Retinal vein thrombosis

Cardio-Vascular Conditions

• Buerger's disease
• Myocardial infarction
• Frostbite
• Post-cardiotomy and low output heart failure

Musculoskeletal, Auto Immune and Genetic Conditions

• Allergies
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine
• Rheumatoid arthritis (acute)
• Scleroderma
• Sickle cell crisis and hematuria
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Post-polio syndrome

Toxic Chemical and Systemic Syndrome Conditions

• Gulf War Syndrome
• Post carbon tetrachloride poisoning

Diabetic Conditions

• Retinopathy
• Neuropathy
• Ulceration
• Gangrene
• Ulcers*
• Slow wound healing

Infectious or Post Infection and Skin Dermatologic Conditions

• Peripheral vascular ulcer*
  • Arterial (atherosclerosis)
  • Decubitus (bed sores)
  • Neuropathy related (diabetes)
  • Venous (deep vein thrombosis complication)
  • Diabetic
• Gangrene (wet and dry, atherosclerosis, more common in diabetes)
• Compromised Skin Flaps and Grafts*
• Abscesses* (skin- and subdermal tissues)
• Frostbite
• Diabetic conditions
  • Ulceration
  • Gangrene
  • Ulcers*
  • Slow wound healing
• Lepromatous leprosy
• Lyme disease
• Melaney ulcer* (flesh-eating bacteria)
• Brown Recluse Spider Bite
• Refractory mycoses* (fungal infections)

Post Cancer Radiation and Chemotherapy Conditions

• Osteoradionecrosis* (post radiation damage)
• Radiation cystitis*

Miscellaneous Indications

• Immune System Enhancement
• Anti-aging
• Longevity
• Slow healing wounds
• Potentiate antibiotic therapy
• Plastic surgery (speed healing, reduce scar and infection)
• Severed limb wound healing*

Emergency Indications – HBOT Performed Within A Major Medical Center or Hospital