As more people spend time outdoors, cases of Lyme disease have been increasing across communities. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the organism Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete-shaped bacterium similar in structure to the one that causes syphilis. This pathogen can affect nearly every system in the body. It is most recognized for causing neurological symptoms, arthritis, and damage to the heart’s conduction system, but it can also impact many other organs.
How HBOT May Help Lyme Disease Patients
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) shows potential in easing the neurological effects of Lyme disease due to its ability to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections between neurons. The quality of these neural connections directly impacts cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
Beyond neuroplasticity, HBOT encourages mitogenesis, the creation of new and more efficient mitochondria. This increase in cellular energy production supports healing and recovery. It can also benefit the immune system by reducing inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) while boosting anti-inflammatory ones. This shift helps the body move from an inflammatory state toward one that promotes healing.
Another benefit is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Since inflammation can impair circulation, particularly in the brain, improving blood flow is essential for recovery. Many people with Lyme disease report brain fog, poor memory, and difficulty processing information. HBOT’s combined effects on circulation, inflammation, and cellular energy may help address these symptoms.
Research and Treatment Considerations
Research on Hyperbaric Oxygen for Lyme disease is still limited. Some of the challenges in studying it include the invasive nature of certain trial requirements, such as tissue biopsies, and a tendency in conventional medicine to prioritize pharmaceutical approaches over less invasive therapies.
Treatment outcomes with Hyperbaric Oxygen can vary depending on the stage of Lyme disease. The protocols for acute Lyme often involve higher atmospheric pressures than those used for chronic Lyme with neurological symptoms. Interestingly, while many chronic neurological conditions respond well to lower pressures, the high inflammation levels in acute Lyme can make higher pressures more effective.
Historical research suggested that around 2.3 atmospheres absolute (ATA) could kill spirochetes, leading some practitioners to recommend at least 2.4 ATA for acute Lyme. However, there is still no universal consensus among hyperbaric medicine authorities on the ideal pressure settings, which limits the ability to conduct standardized large-scale studies.
Evidence and Patient Experiences
One encouraging study found that over 84% of 91 Lyme patients experienced improvements in cognition, problem-solving, and other neurological functions after treatment. In addition to this research, there is a wealth of clinical experience and patient testimonials reporting benefits from Hyperbaric Oxygen for both acute and chronic Lyme disease.
HBOT also holds potential for treating other tick-borne illnesses for many of the same reasons. It is important to note that Hyperbaric Oxygen for Lyme disease is considered an off-label use, meaning it is supported by some research and clinical evidence but not specifically approved by the FDA for this condition.
Our Approach at Noah Clinics
At Noah Clinics, we provide care for both FDA-approved and off-label conditions. Our philosophy is simple: we will not dismiss someone’s illness because it falls outside conventional protocols. We focus on exploring all safe and evidence-informed options to help our patients recover. For those living with Lyme disease, whether acute or chronic, HBOT may offer a valuable tool in the journey toward healing.
