Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Hyperbaric Chamber Information ...

Migraine headaches
Two studies met inclusion criteria for this indication (Table 51). Both were randomised
controlled trials, the study by Wilson et al 90 being a crossover study. Both studies were
conducted in the USA and enrolled predominantly female participants. Wilson et al
studied a population with a mean age of almost 40 years; Myers and Myers 91 provide no
age details.
Table 51 Descriptive characteristics of included studies focusing on the use of HBOT in migraine
headaches.*
First Author and
Year of Publication
Wilson 1998 90
Myers 1995 91
NHMRC
Level
II
Study Design Location
RCT,
crossover
Dates of
Enrolment Size
Characteristics of Study Population †
AgeMean
(SD)
USA ? ‡ 8 38.8 (7.8) § 0:8
Sex Ratio
(M:F)
II RCT USA ? 20 ? 6:14
* Abbreviations: F = female, M = male, RCT = randomised controlled trial, SD = standard deviation.
† Information is given for total study population values, and treatment and control groups.
‡ Unstated, unclear, or unknown.
§ Figures in parentheses are assumed to be standard deviations. Authors did not provide enough information for a definite conclusion.
Study quality
Table 52 summarises important methodological characteristics of the studies included in
this section. Both studies did not provide enough evidence to determine the adequacy of
randomisation. The study by Wilson et al 90 was double masked; Myers and Myers 91
applied single masking procedures. Both studies reported complete follow-up of patients.
Table 52 Methodological quality of included studies focusing on the use of HBOT in migraine.*
First Author and
Year of Publication
Study Design Randomisation Masking Losses to Follow-up
Wilson 1998 90 RCT, crossover Unclear Double masked No losses
Myers 1995 91
* Abbreviation: RCT = randomised controlled trial
RCT Unclear Single masked No losses
Patient criteria
Wilson et al90 applied explicit criteria for entry and recruitment of participants. The
diagnosis of migraine was combined with specific features of the disease (such as
duration and regularity) to screen for a particular subset of patients with a severe form of
the disease (Table 53). In contrast, Myers and Myers91 simply require their participants to
have been diagnosed previously with the condition.
54 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy