Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impairing their quality of life, it is more than just chronic pain; it represents a complex disorder associated with abnormal brain activity and central nervous system sensitization. Patients with FMS often experience heightened sensitivity to pain along with a host of other symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives.
A recent clinical trial (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127012) aimed to evaluate the effects of HBOT on both the symptoms and brain activity of FMS patients. The study included 60 female participants, aged 21 to 67, all of whom had been diagnosed with FMS at least two years prior.
The HBOT regimen consisted of 40 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, over the course of several weeks. The therapy was administered at a pressure of 2 ATA (atmospheres absolute) with 100% oxygen. Patients were evaluated before and after the therapy using a combination of physical examinations, pain threshold measurements, quality of life assessments, and advanced brain imaging techniques, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
The results of the study were compelling. HBOT led to a significant reduction in all major symptoms of FMS, including pain, tenderness, and fatigue. Patients also reported substantial improvements in their overall quality of life. Importantly, these benefits were not observed in the control group during the period without treatment, underscoring the effectiveness of HBOT.
Beyond symptom relief, the study also revealed striking changes in brain activity. Specifically, there was a decrease in hyperactivity in the posterior regions of the brain and an increase in activity in the frontal areas—changes that suggest a restoration of more typical brain function. These findings support the hypothesis that HBOT may induce neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and repair itself, leading to sustained symptom relief.
