HBOT for ALS: what the research says about oxygen therapy and neurological health
What current studies reveal about ALS, brain health, and the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells, known as motor neurons, control voluntary muscle movements. As ALS progresses, these neurons gradually stop functioning and eventually die, leading to muscle weakness, loss of mobility, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and respiratory failure.
ALS is considered a rare disease, but its impact is severe and life-changing. Most people diagnosed with ALS experience a steady progression of symptoms, and while treatments exist to help manage symptoms and slow decline, there is currently no cure.
Continue reading to better understand ALS and what science is uncovering about oxygen therapy and brain health.
How many people are affected by ALS
Because ALS is not a nationally reportable disease, understanding how many people are affected requires careful interpretation of available data. While exact numbers are difficult to confirm, current estimates help illustrate the scope of the disease and how frequently new diagnoses occur.
Current research and registry data suggest:
- Fewer than 30,000 people in the United States are living with ALS at any given time
- About 5,000 new ALS diagnoses are made each year
- ALS most commonly develops between the ages of 55 and 65, though it can occur at other ages
- Many people live three to five years after diagnosis, though some live longer [1]
Worldwide, ALS affects hundreds of thousands of people. As the population ages, researchers expect the number of people living with ALS to continue increasing. This makes ongoing research and supportive care especially important.
Why oxygen matters for the brain and nervous system
The brain uses a large amount of oxygen to function properly. When oxygen levels are reduced or when blood flow is impaired, nerve cells can struggle to work and repair themselves. This is especially important in neurological conditions like ALS.
Researchers are studying HBOT because it may:
- Help deliver more oxygen to stressed or damaged nerve tissue
- Reduce inflammation that can harm nerve cells
- Support energy production inside cells
- Help protect cells from ongoing nerve damage
These effects help explain why HBOT is being explored in a wide range of neurological conditions.
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These same challenges help explain why researchers continue to explore hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neurological conditions. By increasing oxygen availability and supporting cellular function, HBOT may help address some of the underlying stress placed on nerve cells in diseases like ALS.
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What the research says about HBOT for ALS
Research on HBOT specifically for ALS is still limited, but existing studies help explain why it continues to be explored.
Laboratory and animal studies suggest that increased oxygen exposure may reduce inflammation and improve oxygen delivery to nerve tissue, thereby supporting cell health under stress. Some research also indicates that HBOT may help cells produce energy more efficiently, an area of interest because energy production problems are believed to play a role in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. [1]
Small human studies have shown that HBOT can be used safely under medical supervision, but these studies involved limited numbers of participants and short treatment periods. Larger reviews of available research consistently conclude that while the science is promising, there is not yet enough clinical evidence to confirm HBOT as an effective treatment for ALS. More research is still needed. [1] [3]
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What this means for patients and families
Living with ALS often leads people to explore new and emerging therapies. HBOT continues to be studied because of its potential to support brain and nerve health.
Anyone considering HBOT should talk with their healthcare team and make sure decisions are based on accurate information and medical guidance.
The bottom line on HBOT for ALS
- ALS is a serious neurological disease that affects tens of thousands of people
- Oxygen plays an important role in brain and nerve function
- HBOT is being studied because it may support oxygen delivery and reduce inflammation
As research continues, scientists hope to better understand whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy may one day play a supportive role in neurological care for ALS.
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1: CDC | About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
2: National Library of Medicine | The potential of hyperbaric oxygen as a therapy for neurodegenerative diseases
3: ALS Untangled | Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
