Studies show that hyperbaric oxygen treatment is effective in aborting a migraine headache in 80% of patients. Effedal et al 2004 found that prophylactic use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment to prevent headaches can reduce the number of headaches.
HBOT significantly improves blood flow and reduces symptoms for the migraine sufferer. The increase of oxygen in a patient’s blood replenishes starved brain tissue, constricts blood vessels and eventually eliminates the symptoms of the migraine headache. Relief occurs within minutes of starting treatment and has lasting effects. Most patients report less migraine occurrences with regular oxygen therapy.
Migraine is a common neurologic syndrome characterized by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to lights and sounds. Other common symptoms include chills, sweating, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling, and difficulty speaking or concentrating. The precise causes and mechanisms of migraine are unknown. Attacks originate with chemical changes in the brain and nervous system and progress into painful restrictions in blood flow. Certain tastes, odors, lights, noises, and physical or emotional stress may trigger migraine.