Treatment of Late-Stage Lyme Disease through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Treatment of Late-Stage Lyme Disease through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining attention as a potential treatment for the neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease. Current research and clinical evidence indicate promising biological effects, particularly in modulating neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial function, and enhancing cognitive outcomes.

A recent case report from 2025 documents the significant impact of mild HBOT on systemic inflammation biomarkers and neurocognitive function in complex chronic inflammatory conditions. At low pressure (1.3 ATA with 24% oxygen), this approach has shown meaningful biomarker shifts consistent with reduced inflammation and immune dysregulation, which are relevant to neurological symptoms seen in Lyme disease [1].

Beyond this specific case, broader randomized controlled trials from Israel and other research centers have demonstrated HBOT’s efficacy in treating neurological conditions such as post-stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and post-viral neurological syndromes — disorders sharing similar neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative pathways with neurological Lyme disease. These trials reveal significant improvements in neurological function and quality of life measures following HBOT [2].

While direct, large-scale randomized controlled trials exclusively on HBOT for Lyme disease’s neurological symptoms are limited, the existing clinical evidence and biomarker data support its potential as a safe, adjunctive treatment that can reduce neuroinflammation, enhance immune resilience, and promote brain repair. Clinics providing integrative treatments for chronic infections highlight HBOT's capacity to enhance oxygen delivery, reduce inflammation, and support immune function, which are crucial for managing persistent neurological Lyme symptoms [5].

Mild HBOT is generally safe with minimal adverse effects, mostly mild and temporary, such as ear pressure discomfort, making it a viable option for long-term or adjunctive therapy in complex neurological conditions, including those related to Lyme disease [4].

In summary, HBOT shows promise in modulating inflammation and improving neurocognition in chronic inflammatory neurological conditions such as Lyme neuroborreliosis, supported by case reports and biomarker studies at low pressure [1]. Stronger evidence exists for HBOT’s benefit in various neurological disorders with overlapping pathophysiology, adding indirect support for its use in Lyme disease neurological symptoms [2]. HBOT is safe and well-tolerated when properly administered [4]. More large-scale clinical trials specifically targeting HBOT in neurological Lyme disease are needed to fully establish clinical guidelines.

This suggests HBOT is a valuable adjunctive therapy worthy of consideration and further research in the treatment of neurological symptoms of Lyme disease. Kris Kristofferson, a musician, underwent HBOT for managing Lyme disease at a clinic in Malibu, California [3]. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that delivers high concentrations of oxygen under pressurized conditions.

Lyme patients often show increased levels of oxidative stress and elevated mitochondrial superoxide production, which can damage cellular components and impair oxygen utilization [6]. HBOT creates an environment where anaerobic Lyme-causing bacteria cannot survive [7]. Patients undergo HBOT sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, breathing 100% pure oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure [8].

Lyme disease can cause cellular hypoxia through several mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, altered metabolism, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, HIF activation, and vascular effects [9]. HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects and potential to alleviate neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease [10]. HBOT can help protect and potentially repair damaged nerves affected by Lyme disease [11].

Kris Kristofferson was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease for years before the correct diagnosis of Lyme disease was made [3]. The balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, particularly involving IFNγ and IL-10, appears crucial in determining the course and severity of Lyme arthritis [12]. HBOT may help alleviate "Lyme brain" or "brain fog" by enhancing oxygenation and supporting brain function [13].

HBOT is not yet FDA-approved for treating Lyme disease and is considered an off-label treatment [14]. HBOT increases oxygen levels in the blood and tissues by 10-15 times normal conditions [15]. HBOT increases oxygen delivery to tissues, including the brain and nervous system [16]. Researchers at Texas A&M University found that HBOT treatments were effective in treating Lyme Disease due to the higher pressurized atmosphere producing oxygen levels that killed off the causative bacteria [7].

B. burgdorferi, the causative bacteria of Lyme disease, has a highly restricted metabolic capacity and relies solely on glycolysis for ATP production [17].

References:

1. Case report: Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy for complex chronic inflammatory conditions
2. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neurological conditions: A systematic review
3. Kris Kristofferson's Lyme disease battle: 'I'm a believer in hyperbaric oxygen therapy'
4. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A review of its safety and tolerability
5. Integrative treatment of chronic infections: A review
6. Oxidative stress in Lyme disease: A review
7. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of Lyme disease: A review of the literature
8. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: An overview
9. Cellular hypoxia in Lyme disease: Mechanisms and consequences
10. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neurological Lyme disease: A review of the literature
11. Neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Lyme disease
12. Inflammatory cytokine balance in Lyme arthritis: A review
13. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Lyme disease-related cognitive dysfunction: A review of the literature
14. Off-label use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Lyme disease: A review of the literature
15. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications
16. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neurological disorders: A review of the literature
17. Metabolic characteristics of B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease

Read also:

• Parliamentary Meetings in the Federal Diet of Germany this Week
• Warning signs of potential health issues indicated by Dr. Amir Khan, unveiled in a recent discourse
• Anemia: A Potential Threat and Treatment Strategies
• Insulin refusal during gestational diabetes is possible, but it may have detrimental impacts on both mother and baby.