Neuromodulation on cervical spinal cord combined with hyperbaric oxygen in comatose patients-a preliminary report

Jung Tung Liu, Jong Kang Lee, Yeu Sheng Tyan, Che Yu Liu, Yung Hsiang Chen, Tzer Bin Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Because both SCS and HBO therapy have shown some promise in treating patients with states of reduced consciousness, we evaluated the combination of therapies in a prospective trial in comatose patients. Methods: Twelve patients who had received median nerve stimulation for 3 months without improvement in consciousness received cSCS for 1 year combined with simultaneous HBO therapy for the first 3 months. Another group enrolled 12 patients who received median nerve stimulation only were served as control. Results: Six patients emerged from coma at 1 year (after conclusion of treatment). Glasgow Coma Scale score, SPECT imaging, and PVS scores (state and reaction subscores) of the 12 patients were all significantly increased at 1 year compared with enrollment (P < .05). Neither respirator nor tracheostomy was needed to assist respiration in any patient. Only 1 of 12 patients still needed nasogastric tube feeding at 1 year. By contrast, control patients (without cSCS and HBO therapy) showed no apparent improvement. Conclusion: Increase of GCS score, cerebral blood perfusion, and PVS scores were observed in comatose patients treated with combined cSCS and HBO therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S28-S34
JournalSurgical Neurology
Volume72
Issue numberSUPPL. 2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain injury
  • Cerebral blood perfusion
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Long-term coma
  • Spinal cord stimulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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