Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Elderly Veterans: Case Studies, Literature Review, and Discussion

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a prevalent and debilitating condition among military personnel and veterans, with significant impacts on mental, physical, and social well-being. This report follows the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating persistent PTSD in elderly veterans. Two patients aged 60 and 77, with over two decades of PTSD symptoms, underwent a comprehensive HBOT protocol. The treatment resulted in significant improvements across clinical, cognitive, and neurological domains. Both individuals exhibited substantial reductions in PTSD symptom severity, marked improvements in emotional regulation, and enhanced cognitive functioning post-HBOT. Neuroimaging showed an increased brain activity, particularly in regions associated with memory, attention, and emotional regulation. These findings underscore the potential of HBOT as a novel therapeutic approach for elderly individuals with persistent PTSD, even decades after the traumatic event and will be discussed within the framework of the Hyperoxic-Hypoxic paradox.