A review of the scientific evidence on the treatment of traumatic brain injuries and strokes with hyperbaric oxygen.

OBJECTIVE This review sought to determine the strength of the scientific evidence relating to the therapeutic use of hyperbaric oxygen for traumatic brain injury or stroke. In order to reduce the possibility of omitting relevant human clinical trials, parallel searches of the Medline, HealthStar and Embase databases were undertaken, and input was sought from local experts in hyperbaric medicine as well as from a widely noted proponent of this therapy. Papers retrieved were reviewed to ensure that they reported the results of comparative clinical trials and were then reviewed by a panel of scientists. Papers were scrutinized for methodological flaws, and the clinical significance of the results was examined. OUTCOME The strongest papers indicated either no effect or harm from hyperbaric oxygen when used to treat traumatic brain injuries or strokes. CONCLUSION The scientific literature up to August 2001 does not support the use of hyperbaric oxygen for traumatic brain injuries and strokes.