Treatment of a Cluster Headache Patient in a Hyperbaric Chamber

Abstract

A patient with severe cluster headaches was treated in a hyperbaric chamber on two occasions. Her symptoms had been refractory to other treatment modalities including conventional oxygen therapy. On both occasions her pain was promptly relieved while breathing 100% oxygen at two atmospheres of pressure. This is the first known reported case of a cluster headache treated with hyperbaric oxygen. A prospective study is needed to substantiate the efficacy of this treatment modality for cluster headaches.