Clinical effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case series

Abstract Background After cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) will appear due to extensive brain injury. PSH is a serious clinical syndrome, and it is often treated with drugs. However, the application of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment(HBOT) of PSH is rarely reported in the literature.We aimed to investigate the clinical effects of single-chamber pure oxygen treatment on PSH following CPR. Methods We retrospectively analysed clinical data of four patients treated at our hospital who developed signs of PSH post-CPR and received HBOT at an early stage to assess the clinical effects of HBOT on PSH. Results Following 3–4 HBOT sessions, signs of PSH were substantially diminished, and patients’ Clinical Symptom Scale scores decreased significantly. The time to awakening was 34, 25, 38, and 28 days for cases 1–4, respectively. Conclusions HBOT alleviated PSH, reduced brain damage, and promoted a return to full consciousness. HBOT efficacy was significant in these patients, and promoting HBOT in the clinical setting is recommended.