Hyperbaric oxygen in chronic cluster headaches: influence on serotonergic pathways.
Undersea
Hyperb Med. 1997 Jun;24(2):117-22.
Di Sabato F, Rocco M, Martelletti P, Giacovazzo M
Department of Clinical Medicine, Headache Centre, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
A controlled study was done with the aim of assessing the efficacy of
hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) in cluster headache and of studying the
possible influence of this therapeutic approach on serotonergic
pathways. Fourteen patients, aged between 26 and 56 yr, suffering from
the chronic form of cluster headache were treated with HBO2 (n = 10) or
environmental air (placebo) ( n = 4) during the 15 sessions of exposure
(lasting 30 min each) in the hyperbaric chamber. The influence of this
procedure on serotonergic pathways of pain was monitored by means of
study of serotonin binding to mononuclear cells before and after the
treatment for both subgroups. All of the treated 14 chronic cluster
headache patients completed the study. In the subgroup treated with the
placebo, no particular modifications on the number of attacks and of
analgesic consumption as well as no change in the specific binding
curve of serotonin to mononuclear cells were observed, whereas in the
subgroup treated with HBO2 the clinical effectiveness and the
appearance of plateau in the binding curves indicated that the oxygen
therapy could act through serotonergic pathways.
PMID: 9171470Entrez PubMed
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this web site is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care or for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical disorder. O.U.C.H. makes no claims as to the scientific/clinical validity of the information on this site OR to that of the information linked to from this site. All information taken from the internet should be discussed with a medical professional!
Who is O.U.C.H?
O.U.C.H is a group of dedicated volunteers who are both sufferers of cluster headaches and supporters of loved ones with cluster headaches. All information found here is lovingly compiled and maintained to help those who suffer with this disorder. If you can help, either with your volunteer time or with a donation to O.U.C.H, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information
