Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, the myelin, in the brain and spinal cord. This damage leads to symptoms that can be quite noticeable and debilitating. While MS can’t be cured, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and reduce the discomfort.
One such treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This therapy has shown promising results in easing several MS symptoms such as balance issues, numbness in the hands, difficulty concentrating, pain, and dizziness. It can also improve bladder and bowel function.
A common symptom of MS is the appearance of tiny red dots on the skin, called petechiae. These occur due to leakage from small blood vessels beneath the skin. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps by constricting these blood vessels back to their normal size and reducing leakage. It also reduces swelling in the vessels, which can otherwise lead to nerve cell damage. While certain medications can also constrict blood vessels, they might reduce the oxygen supply to tissues, which isn’t ideal when blood flow decreases.
Oxygen is crucial for the health of our cells and tissues, especially when they’re damaged. It speeds up the healing process. Research has shown that inflammation, a typical symptom of MS, limits oxygen supply to the affected tissues, causing them to swell. The inflamed areas lack sufficient oxygen, which is necessary to reduce further swelling and prevent plaque formation.
Many MS patients have reported significant improvements after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. This therapy could be a practical treatment option for MS, and it’s best used before the condition’s damaging effects become too severe. While many patients experience short-term relief, some have managed to maintain these improvements over the long term.