Early theories regarding migraines suggested they primarily stemmed from changes in blood flow to the brain. While blood flow alterations do contribute to pain, contemporary beliefs indicate that shifts in hormone levels, such as serotonin and estrogen, act as triggers for migraines. One theory proposes that waves of activity in brain cells prompt the release of serotonin, leading to the constriction of blood vessels. This constriction results in reduced oxygen delivery to the brain, thought to be a key trigger for migraines.
Given this association between hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels) and migraines, the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to address migraine symptoms presents a logical approach. During HBOT sessions, doctors administer 100 percent oxygen at increased pressure, directly delivering oxygen to the brain and alleviating swelling. While HBOT may not prevent headaches or reduce their frequency, many patients who undergo HBOT treatment during a migraine episode report immediate and complete pain relief.
Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen and HBOT in managing migraine symptoms and pain. In a study conducted by Dr. William Fife and Dr. Caroline Fife involving 26 migraine patients, all but one experienced complete pain relief within minutes of commencing the HBOT session. Additionally, HBOT effectively treated temporary facial paralysis experienced by two patients during migraines.
In a 1995 study comparing the effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment with normobaric oxygen (100 percent oxygen delivered at normal air pressure), 20 patients participated, with 10 receiving normobaric oxygen and the remaining 10 receiving hyperbaric oxygen at increased pressure. The results demonstrated that while only one patient in the normobaric group experienced symptom relief, nine out of ten patients in the hyperbaric oxygen group experienced significant alleviation of their migraine symptoms.
Another study from 2008 analyzed nine trials involving a total of 201 participants to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT in treating migraines and cluster headaches. The findings revealed that HBOT effectively relieved pain and symptoms during migraine attacks but did not demonstrate efficacy in preventing migraines.
