Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating fibromyalgia linked to childhood trauma after late-onset and over a decade of symptoms: a case report
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain disorder characterized by central sensitization and neuroinflammation. Conventional treatments primarily focus on symptom management but often fail to address the underlying dysfunction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has emerged as a promising approach that promotes neuroplasticity and may provide symptom relief. We present the case of a 62-year-old North African female patient with treatment-resistant fibromyalgia and a history of childhood trauma who underwent 60 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions over 12 weeks (90 min at 2.0 atmospheres absolute). Baseline and posttreatment assessments included clinical evaluations (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised, widespread pain index, and symptom severity scale), neurocognitive testing, magnetic resonance imaging–diffusion tensor imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography imaging, and functional mobility tests. Following hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient reported substantial pain reduction (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised score decreased from 60.5 to 44; Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria Questionnaire score decreased from 16 to 12). Computerized cognitive assessments revealed a 10% improvement in global cognitive function and a 26.9% increase in attention. Medication use was also reduced, with the discontinuation of pregabalin (Lyrica) and a 50% reduction in duloxetine (Cymbalta) dosage. Additionally, physical function improved, with walking speed increasing from 3.2…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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