Hyperbaric chamber and trigeminal neuralgia

Everyday activities such as chewing, talking or even simple skin contact can trigger these painful episodes.

Traditional therapeutic options

Management of trigeminal neuralgia includes a variety of therapeutic approaches:

• PharmacotherapyAnticonvulsant medications, such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, are commonly prescribed to reduce the frequency and intensity of painful episodes.
• Minimally invasive proceduresTechniques such as percutaneous rhizotomy, glycerol injection or balloon compression seek to interrupt pain transmission through controlled injury of the affected nerve fibers.
• Surgery: In refractory cases, microvascular decompression may be considered to relieve compression of the trigeminal nerve by adjacent vascular structures.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the inhalation of pure oxygen at 100% in an environment where atmospheric pressure is increased at medical discretion. This procedure is performed within a hyperbaric chamber specially designed for this purpose. Under these conditions, the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood plasma increases significantly, facilitating its diffusion even in areas with compromised circulation.

Mechanisms of action of OHTB in trigeminal neuralgia

OHTB may influence trigeminal neuralgia through several mechanisms:

• Anti-inflammatory effect: Hyperoxia reduces neural inflammation, decreasing the release of proinflammatory mediators and modulating the immune response.
• Modulation of neuropathic pain: OHTB may alter pain perception by influencing the activity of neurotransmitters and receptors involved in nociceptive transmission.
• Neuroprotection and regeneration: Increased oxygen availability promotes neuronal survival and may facilitate the repair of damaged nervous tissue.

Although research on the efficacy of OHTB in trigeminal neuralgia is limited, some studies and clinical reports suggest potential benefits:

• A study published in the Spanish Institute of Hyperbaric Medicine evaluated the efficacy of OHTB in patients with orofacial pain, including those with trigeminal neuralgia. The results indicated a significant improvement in pain perception following treatment with OHTB.
• According to Biobarica, OHTB reduces pain of neuropathic origin in pathologies such as trigeminal neuralgia, by producing endogenous opioid-like peptides with a potent analgesic mechanism of action

The OHTB protocol for trigeminal neuralgia is not standardized due to variability in clinical presentation and individual patient response. However, sessions typically involve:

• Duration: Sessions of 60 to 90 minutes.
• Frequency: Daily or several times a week, depending on the severity of symptoms and response to treatment.
• Pressure: , according to clinical recommendations and patient tolerance.

It is essential that the treatment be supervised by professionals specialized in hyperbaric medicine, who will adjust the protocol according to the specific needs of each patient.

Although OHTB is generally well tolerated, a thorough medical evaluation is essential before starting treatment to identify potential contraindications, such as:

• Untreated pneumothorax: Presence of air in the pleural cavity that can be complicated by hyperbaric therapy.
• Acute respiratory infections: They may increase the risk of complications during treatment.
• Severe claustrophobia: Since the treatment is performed in a closed chamber, it is important to assess the patient's tolerance to confined spaces.

Furthermore, it is crucial that OHTB is integrated into a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach, complementing other medical and therapeutic interventions to optimize clinical outcomes.

Its anti-inflammatory, pain-modulating and neuroprotective effects can contribute to reducing symptoms and improving patients' quality of life.

Although clinical studies on the efficacy of OHTB in trigeminal neuralgia are still limited, emerging evidence suggests its potential as a complementary therapeutic strategy. It is essential that patients be evaluated individually to determine whether this option is appropriate for their specific case.