Oxygen therapy for brain & neurological health — what we offer

At Bedford MS Therapy Centre we offer oxygen therapy sessions using sealed chambers at pressures up to 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) with 100% oxygen. Typical sessions last about 90 minutes total (including pressurisation and depressurisation) with ~60 minutes spent at treatment pressure. Our protocols are modelled on the clinical-style regimens used in many neurotherapeutic studies, and treatments are delivered by trained staff.

How oxygen therapy may help the brain — mechanisms simplified

Breathing 100% oxygen at increased pressure raises the amount of oxygen dissolved in blood and tissues. Proposed beneficial mechanisms in neurological conditions include:

  • increased tissue oxygen delivery and cerebral perfusion, which can support metabolically stressed brain tissue; FrontiersNature

  • stimulation of angiogenesis (formation of new small blood vessels) and improved microvascular function; WikipediaPMC

  • modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress pathways that can contribute to chronic neurodegeneration; i-jmr.orgFrontiers

  • promotion of neuroplasticity (functional and structural brain reorganisation), demonstrated in imaging studies and some clinical trials. NaturePMC

Important: these mechanisms are plausible and supported by preclinical and clinical research, but the degree and duration of clinical benefit varies by condition and by study. FrontiersPMC

Conditions where oxygen therapy has been

Parkinson’s disease (PD)

  • What the research shows: Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate oxygen therapy may help non‑motor symptoms (sleep, anxiety, depression), and several small studies report improvements in some motor and cognitive measures. However, study sizes and methods vary and more well‑powered RCTs are needed. PubMedFrontiers

  • Bottom line: HBOT shows promise as an adjunct for certain PD symptoms, especially sleep and mood; it should be discussed alongside standard PD treatments. Frontiers

Fibromyalgia & chronic pain syndromes

  • What the research shows: Multiple controlled trials and meta‑analyses suggest oxygen therapy can reduce pain and improve sleep and function in some people with fibromyalgia, though trials vary in size and pressure/dose used. Some patients experience meaningful symptom relief. WikipediaPMC

  • Bottom line: There is moderate evidence for symptomatic benefit in fibromyalgia. Wikipedia

Stroke (acute and chronic recovery)

  • What the research shows: Systematic reviews and recent meta-analyses suggest adjunctive oxygen therapy may improve functional outcomes in selected stroke patients as part of chronic post‑stroke rehabilitation protocols. Results vary by timing, dose and study quality. BioMed CentralPMC

  • Bottom line: Oxygen therapy is being investigated as an adjunct to usual stroke care; it may support recovery in some patients but should be coordinated with stroke/rehab teams. BioMed Central

Alzheimer’s disease & other dementias

  • What the research shows: Animal models and small human studies suggest oxygen therapy can reduce amyloid-related pathology, improve cerebral perfusion, and improve some cognitive measures. Larger trials are still needed to determine the size and durability of benefit. FrontiersWikipedia

  • Bottom line: Early results are encouraging for cognitive support and perfusion, but oxygen therapy is not an approved disease‑modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s at this time. Frontiers

Brain atrophy, ageing and cognitive support

  • What the research shows: A number of recent studies (including imaging and physiological biomarker work) report that oxygen therapy protocols can:

    • increase regional cerebral blood flow and change brain network connectivity; NaturePMC

    • promote neuroplasticity and functional improvements on cognitive testing in some post‑injury and ageing cohorts; NatureFrontiers

    • produce measurable biological changes in blood cells (examples include reports of telomere length changes and reduced markers of cellular senescence in small trials), which are intriguing but preliminary. Wikipedia

  • Bottom line: there is growing clinical and imaging evidence that oxygen therapy may help support brain health by improving perfusion and stimulating regenerative pathways. However, claims about reversing established brain atrophy should be made cautiously — current human data are promising but still limited and not yet definitive. NatureWikipedia

Safety, side effects & who should discuss with their doctor first

Common, usually mild issues: ear pressure (middle‑ear barotrauma), sinus discomfort, temporary visual changes, fatigue, and very rarely oxygen‑related lung irritation. South Carolina Blues

Serious contraindications / cautions (discuss with a physician):

  • untreated pneumothorax (absolute contraindication); South Carolina Blues

  • some pulmonary diseases, uncontrolled seizures, certain chemotherapy agents (timing considerations), or infections where elevated oxygen could be an issue — screening and medical review are required. South Carolina Bluesi-jmr.org

We perform a pre‑treatment screening and monitor all sessions.

How we run our sessions (what to expect)

  • Initial screening and consent.

  • Pre‑treatment briefing about comfortable clothing, ear‑clearing technique and what symptoms to report.

  • Chamber session: pressurisation (about 10–15 minutes), 60 minutes at target pressure, then gradual depressurisation (10–15 minutes). Total time ~90 minutes.

  • Staff monitoring during the entire session. Post‑session check‑in and guidance on follow‑up.

We individualise pressure and session plans to your needs and the current best-practice protocols in the literature.)

Summary

  • Oxygen therapy is promising for many neurological indications — especially for symptomatic improvement in pain, sleep, mood, and some cognitive domains — and there is growing imaging/biological evidence of neuroplastic and vascular effects. NaturePMC

  • Evidence strength varies by condition: fibromyalgia and some post‑injury or post‑infectious cognitive complaints have moderate positive evidence; stroke and Parkinson’s show promising findings but need more large RCTs WikipediaBioMed CentralPMC

  • Oxygen therapy is not a guaranteed cure for neurodegenerative diseases. It should be considered an adjunctive therapy.

How much does oxygen therapy cost?

A single 60m session cost £50 with discounts available for block bookings.We charge £40 per session, with a discount for block bookings.

How can I learn more about Oxygen Therapy?

For more information, to arrange a visit or book a session  email us at reception@mscentrebedsandnorthants.com or call us on 01234 325781.