The primary purpose of this study is to assess whether hyperbaric oxygen treatment improves neurological function in patients who exhibit white matter hyperintensities on MRI examination. The secondary goal of this study is to determine if it is possible using MRI to discern a difference in perfusion of central nervous system tissue in regions of white matter hyperintensities after hyperbaric oxygen administration as compared to hyperbaric air.
Consecutively enrolled patients will be assigned to hyperbaric oxygen or hyperbaric air by random number. Physicians supervising the hyperbaric treatments and the treating technicians, the evaluating neurologist, and the interpreter of the MRIs will be blinded regarding patient treatment status. All patients who receive placebo will be offered treatment with hyperbaric oxygen.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
St. Luke's Hospital
Chesterfield, Missouri, United States
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology/Washington University Medical School
St Louis, Missouri, United States
The rating scores on the physical/neurological examinations are qualitative, comparisons between the treated and the placebo groups must be analyzed utilizing non-parametric tests.
Time frame: After thirty patients have completed treatment.
A qualitative evaluation will be scored as positive or negative. Twenty patients will allow this determination.
Time frame: After twenty patients have recieved treatment.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.